Our Mission

The mission/purpose of the Friends of the Ashe County Public Library is to maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to focus public attention to and support of the library; to stimulate the use of the library's resources and services; to support and cooperate with the library in developing library services; to receive and encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library; to raise funds to support the needs of the library; and to aid in the provision of adequate housing and other facilities for the library.

How We Help Our Library

• Supplement the library budget by providing direct financial assistance for the purchase of library items and materials requested by staff.
• Encourage gifts and memorials for the library and provide additional financial support through our fund-raising efforts.
• Sponsor community awareness and use of the library.
• Lobby NC legislators for improved funding and library legislation.
• Sponsor interesting programs designed to add to the cultural life of the community.
• Aid in public relations by informing the community about the library's services and programs.
• Recognize staff and the important work they do and provide financial support of staff development.
• Maintain the Friends Corner within the library.

Join the Friends

Join the Friends of the Ashe County Public Library and become part of a vibrant group that makes a major contribution to our library and community. Click here to download the membership form, and return it to the library or mail it to Friends of the Library, 148 Library Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694. Monetary donations are always welcome and are tax deductible, since the Friends is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

Membership Levels:

• Individual: $10 per year
• Business: $50 per year
• Lifetime: $200 per individual

Calendar of Events

Friends Meetings
Beginning in February 2022, the Friends of the Ashe County Public Library will meet at 11 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month, February through October, in the auditorium of the library at 148 Library Drive (on the hill looking down on West Jefferson near the intersection of Back Street and West Main Street). The September meeting is moved to the Wednesday of the On the Same Page Literary Festival. The Friends do not meet during November, December or January.

Programs
An interesting program is a part of every monthly meeting, except May and October. The Annual Business Meeting is held in May, and the State of the Library is given in October. We offer additional programs throughout the year. Check our schedule on the calendar and plan to join us for fun, fellowship and refreshments.

Friends Corner

The Friends Corner on the main floor of the library offers books, magazines, audio visual materials, games, puzzles and gift baskets for sale at reasonable prices. When you purchase items from the Friends Corner, you help the Friends provide the funds to support the many programs offered by the Ashe County Public Library. These materials are all donated by the community. Receipts for donations (for tax purposes) are available at the Circulation Desk.  If you buy or receive a gift basket, please consider recycling the basket, plastic wrap and tissue for use in future baskets by returning them to the Circulation personnel. This will help keep the cost down and results in better basket prices. 

Volunteer

Volunteering with the Friends is an opportunity to be involved with your library and to work with a dedicated group of folks. Volunteer as your schedule permits, a few hours per year on a special project or an hour or two per week on a regular basis, choosing an area that you would enjoy.

Board of Directors

Officers
President: Karen Moll
Vice-President: 
Secretary: Pam Tapp
Treasurer: Susan Meredith

Committee Chairs
Archives/History: David Chiswell
Financial: Susan Meredith
FOL Sales: Marcia Rowe
Fundraising: 
Hospitality: 
Membership: Loftin Hargrave
Publicity: Janet Pittard
Volunteer Coordinator: Karen Moll

At-Large Board Members

Cathy Buttler
Lynn Gelsinger

 

Contact the Friends of the Library

Phone: 336-846-2041
Mailing Address: 148 Library Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694