Friends of the Library
Who are the Friends — Join Today!
They are a group of dedicated volunteers who recognize the vital importance of libraries in our community. Their efforts support the Library and its programs – both financially and with time spent volunteering.
The Friends since 2001 have contributed nearly $70,000 to the library to make the dreams of our patrons come true.
Membership in the Friends of the Library is always welcome. You can join online and pay via Paypal or Please return your completed Friends Membership Application to the Library.
Membership levels:
- Seniors (60+)/Students: $5
- Individuals: $10
- Family: $15
- Business/Organization: $50
- Lifetime Individual: $100
The Friends of GLADL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.
Friends Board:
Robin Barfoot, President
Pat Dingler, Secretary
Ryan Maciejewski, Treasurer
Paul Duncan
Pat Ames
Ashley Cunningham
Call for Volunteers – We Need You!
STREAM– Science, Tech, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math @ the Library and At Home!
The Friends work with the Library to provide amazing educational opportunities for our community. Our STREAM program includes Take Home Crafts that combine science, art and reading — and are loaded with FUN! Families can make a fun craft or flex their science muscles at home with our Take Home Craft kits. Each kit comes with a set of supplies and instructions. View on-line instructions at gladl.org/libraryofthings Kits include suggested books and other library materials related to the craft or science experiment.
Volunteers are needed to assemble kits as well as to assist with monthly STEAM , Craft events. and annual Summer Reading Program!
THANK YOU TO WALMART — For their generous support towards our STREAM, Take Home Crafts, and Summer Reading — Much Appreciated!
Event Assistant
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assist library staff to lead programs by taking pictures at events; preparing craft materials; greet and warmly welcome attendees; distribute program information; orient patrons to the library or event site by pointing out locations of restrooms, water fountain, handout table, etc.; be available to answer questions and direct patrons as needed.
Skills and Experience: All that is required is a warm, outgoing personality, ability to anticipate and react to needs of patrons and staff, and a desire to make people comfortable in the library. Events typically take place on weekday afternoon or evenings. Some weekend events may need volunteers.
Adopt-a-shelf Volunteer
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Adopt-a-Shelf workers agree to monitor a section of the Library’s shelving to keep books, magazines or videos/DVDs in order. This is a vital part of making the materials readily available for patron requests. Since so many people browse the collection and routinely move items from their correct shelf locations, the shelves need constant reorganization and monitoring. The only skills required are an attention to detail and some simple housekeeping skills. Once you have been trained as an Adopt-a-Shelf volunteer, you can monitor your assigned section as frequently as seems warranted and at your own scheduling convenience. This is the ideal job for a volunteer who cannot commit to a set schedule and needs extremely flexible volunteer hours.
Skills and Experience: Willingness to spend two self-scheduled hours a week monitoring a section of the Library’s shelving to keep library materials in order. Knowledge of the alphabet is essential. Library staff will train the right volunteers in use of the Dewey Decimal System. Volunteer may be required to lift light to medium weights, e.g. books and audio-visual materials.
Please Note: All Volunteers must be at least 13 years old or entering 7th grade. Volunteers must complete an application, participate in an orientation, and follow all Library and State guidelines. See Get Involved for more information.
4th Friday Used Book Sale
Our 4th Friday Used Book Sale is back! On the 4th Friday of every month bring in a tote of any size from home and fill it up with all the books you can carry for only $5! OR purchase one of our new Friends of the Library tote bags for $10 (Members) / $15 (Non-Members) and get free fill-ups during our Tote Bag Sales throughout the year! Tote bags are available for purchase at the front desk.
Annual Friends Meetings
2024 Friends Annual Meeting -- April 24
Adventure on the Appalachian Trail
Grand Ledge area resident Ted Graham hiked the 2,183 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 2016. The 5 ½ month adventure provided many challenges, struggles and highlights. Ted , trail name “Lucky Dog”, recounted some of those stories to the great enjoyment of a packed room of patrons. We were truly all impressed with Ted’s acheivement and he has encourged us all to get out there and start hiking. Besides sharing some great stories and wonderful photos, Ted told us of the book that started his love of outdoors — “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail
2023 Friends Annual Meeting -- April 26
Bear with Me–Capturing Nature in Photos with Photographer/Author Ron St. Germain
Patrons and Friends enjoyed an evening with an award winning photographer, journalist and book author Ron St. Germain that left a smile on everyone’s face. Ron took us on a humorous journey as he displayed the fun, and frustrations, involved with capturing his unique wildlife images and the shots of a lifetime that make up the pages of his one-of-a-kind children’s books
To say Ron’s images, as well as his books, are incredibly creative, memorable and unbelievable would be an understatement. St. Germain’s authenticity and willingness to do what very few photographers would put the time in for has earned him over 30 professional, International awards, for his published writing, photographs and books.
Visit Ron online at www.facebook.com/bearwavebooks Or email – DaPhotoDude@aol.com
2022 Friends Annual Meeting -- May 4
Hunting the Elusive Morel Mushroom With Anthony Williams
The Friends welcomed Anthony Williams, morel mushroom hunter extraordinaire!! After winning the National Morel Hunting Championship 5 years in a row, Anthony became “Expert in Residence” for the National Morel Festival. Everyone enjoyed hearing his stories and learning the best tips on where and when to find the elusive morel mushroom!
2021 Friends Annual Meeting
2020 Annual Meeting — Virtual Earth Day Workshop on Oak Leaf Wilt
Saturday, April 18
The Friends were proud to present Dr. David Roberts (retired) Michigan State University, also know as the “Plant Doctor”. Dr. Roberts gave an informative workshop on Oak Wilt – a new danger to our trees that every homeowner and gardener needs to know more about. Oak Wilt disease is killing oak trees in Michigan, and the problem is getting worse. Attendees learned how to protect their trees from oak wilt and what to do if their trees are already affected.
For more information about Oak Wilt and Dr. Roberts Oak Wilt Part 2 Oak Wilt Part 3
During the business meeting portion of the program, the Friends have agreed to continue their support for our Summer Reading Program and they will be helping the library in our outreach efforts to support libary services effected by COVID-19. More information to follow.
Thank you again to Dr. Robert, the Friends and all our library supporters!
2019 Annual Meeting — Come Glass Painting with the Friends
Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 p.m.
Thanks again to the Friends for sponsoring this fun event and providing the opportunity to paint a beautiful keepsake. Patrons of all ages enjoyed a great time and learned a bit about the good work of the Friends. Among those attending the 2019 Friends Annual Meeting were Friends President, Robin Barfoot, Library Board President Joan Kane and Secretary Jeanne Garthe, and Friends Board member Barb Lehman, Treasurer Iris Schiller, and Secretary John Clark. The Friends have agreed to continue their support for our Summer Reading Program (THANK YOU!) and their generous support helps us to maintain our local history online platform. Check out your roots today!
2018 Annual Meeting — Stepping Stones with the Friends
Tuesday, April 25, 4:30-6:30pm
Young and old had a great time making stepping stones. The creativity shown was amazing. We held a short business meeting and heard updates about the library and how to get involved with the Friends. Check out our photo album — lots of smiles!
2017 Annual Meeting — Escape from the Stacks
Saturday, April 22, 6:30pm — A great time was had by all!
A brief business meeting started the evening with the receiving of reports, authorizing the Friends support for the Library’s Summer Reading Program and Local History Digital Project, and election of officers. A dedicated crew of sleuths adjourned to the 1931 Room and solved the Spyder Heist and enjoyed treats as well. They have been sworn to secrecy as to how they met this challenge so well, but the library is glad to know that we can call on them again in the future!