As prepared
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here today to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our Friends of the Library Montgomery County.
In 1982 a group of concerned residents, who shared the goal of supporting the libraries, formed the “Friends of the Library.”
Today, as we celebrate their 35th Anniversary, I can tell you without question, our Friends of the Library is one of the largest and most successful Friends group in the country. Their hard work on behalf of our national award-winning library system is phenomenal.
The Potomac chapter became the first chapter to become incorporated under the umbrella of the Friends of the Library Montgomery County. That was 25 years ago. Since then the Friends of the Library Montgomery County has become the parent organization to 16 additional, volunteer chapters.
The Friends of the Library Montgomery County operates two full-time used bookstores to raise funds to enhance library programs and initiatives.
The money raised contributes to so many good things for our libraries. A few recent examples are funding that helped introduce self-checkout machines; the re-introduction of MCPL’s print Check Us Out; and payment of MCPL’s membership dues for Urban Libraries Council.
Across the County, the Friends of Library Montgomery County partners with many organizations such as the F. Scott Literary Festival and the Gaithersburg Book Festival to help promote library resources to county residents.
Ari Brooks has served as the executive director for 15 years. I met Ari Brooks back in 1999, when she and I were both honored by the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Ari is an exemplary leader who has worked hard to oversee the organization.
Former Library Director Agnes Griffith worked with the Library Board to begin the Friends of the Library Montgomery County.
Current Libraries Director Parker Hamilton continues to support and advance the important partnership between Montgomery Public Libraries and Friends of the Libraries Montgomery County.
I want to especially thank the hundreds of volunteers and staff who have given their time over the years. I recognize that one of our greatest County resources is this indefatigable group of people who give their time to support our programs.
Thank you for all you to make Montgomery County Public Libraries the best in the world. Congratulations to all on your 35th Anniversary!
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Release ID: 17-011