Wilkes County Blog

To mark this golden anniversary, the Friends invite the community to a special reception during their Thursday evening book sale on November 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at the book sale room (behind the Stone Center on Cherry Street).

The Friends’ Book Sale continues Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shoppers can browse thousands of great used books at good prices, with all proceeds directly benefiting library programs for children, teens, and adults.

“The Friends of the Library have been a cornerstone of community support for five decades,” said Suzanne Manners.  “Their dedication helps bring story times, author visits, reading challenges, and cultural programs to life. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

As part of the celebration, the library has compiled a cheerful list of “50 Ways Friends Help the Library”—a tribute to their lasting impact:

50 Ways Friends Help the Library

1. Host book sales to fund programs
2. Sponsor summer reading prizes
3. Provide refreshments for special events
4. Volunteer time and smiles
5. Advocate for public library funding
6. Purchase books and materials for the collection
7. Support author talks and literary programs
8. Encourage lifelong reading habits
9. Help with children’s storytimes
10. Decorate for library celebrations
11. Organize book donations
12. Staff the Friends Book Room
13. Support library staff appreciation events
14. Promote literacy across the county
15. Fund technology upgrades
16. Share the joy of reading
17. Help maintain library gardens and outdoor spaces
18. Donate supplies for craft programs
19. Assist with outreach events
20. Partner with schools for reading initiatives
21. Spread the word about library happenings
22. Support local history projects
23. Help keep the community connected
24. Sponsor performances and cultural programs
25. Bring friends—and make new ones!
26. Fund early literacy efforts
27. Encourage teens to volunteer
28. Offer used books at affordable prices
29. Preserve the library’s welcoming atmosphere
30. Celebrating National Library Week
31. Host member appreciation gatherings
32. Donate equipment when needed
33. Assist during community festivals
34. Help raise awareness of library services
35. Serve as ambassadors for reading
36. Inspire others to join the Friends
37. Provide funds for art and music programs
38. Lend helping hands wherever needed
39. Keep the spirit of generosity alive
40. Advocate for freedom to read
41. Support educational workshops
42. Help libraries adapt and thrive
43. Foster friendships through shared purpose
44. Sponsor local author showcases
45. Volunteer behind the scenes
46. Build community pride in the library
47. Keep the shelves full and stories flowing
48. Make a difference every single day
49. Remind us all that libraries matter
50. Celebrating 50 years—and counting—of friendship

Join the celebration! Stop by the reception, shop the sale, and say thank you to the Friends who have dedicated 50 years to keeping Wilkes County reading, learning, and connected.