Friends of CML

New mural unveiled at CML’s Main Library

columbusfol — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:18:48 +0000

On January 14, this Columbus Metropolitan Library unveiled this stunning new mural in the Center for Discovery. Created by artist Sarah DeAngulo Hout, the mural is a vibrant and relevant addition to a space devoted to learning and discovery for children.

Whether you’re young, have children of your own, or you’re just young at heart, this is a piece that needs to be seen in person.

This mural was made possible through the financial support of the Friends of the Library.

Friends of the Library Annual Meeting: You’re Invited

columbusfol — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:47:00 +0000

As a Friend of the Library, consider attending our upcoming Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 @ 6pm in the Carnegie Room (2nd floor) of the Main Library. It’s a chance to meet your board members and attend the business meeting to better understand the important work of the Friends on behalf of our library.

Art from the Other Side: Work from a Movement Without a Name

columbusfol — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:10:51 +0000

Cover Art left to right: Randall Perkins, “Receding Dreamscape”, Acrylic; Corey Sokolnicki, “Nefertiti’s Revenge”, Watercolor; Doug Gantt, “Lady In Waiting”, Acrylic

The Carnegie Gallery is featuring its latest exhibit from Open Door Art Studio. Join the Friends of the Library for an opening reception, Thursday, January 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Main Library’s Carnegie Gallery (2nd floor).

Open Door empowers artists with disabilities to develop unique, artistic voices and to experience opportunities afforded through the arts. We believe that creativity knows no boundaries and that all individuals deserve an environment for expression without limitation. “Art from the Other Side” includes a truly remarkable body of work from artists who cannot easily be defined by a particular movement.

Open Door Art Studio is a division of Columbus Center for Human Services, Inc. Curated by Stephanie Rond.

The Library Store: your destination for last-minute gift ideas

columbusfol — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:28:38 +0000

If you missed our Member Appreciation Week last week at The Library Store, don’t fret. There are still plenty of one-of-a-kind gift ideas that await the bibliophile and library supporter on your list.

From unique stationery and cards to games, totes and apparel – and of course books – your patronage to The Library Store during the holiday season (and all year long) helps support the library you love.

So stop in today, find a great gift and support your library by becoming a Friend or renewing your membership for as little as $15 a year (see benefits and membership levels under “membership” tab).

The Library Store hours:

Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Happy Holidays!

On Nov. 10, Help Make “The Big Give” Become a Big Deal for our Library

columbusfol — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:26:58 +0000

The BIG GIVE is a great way to support our library…especially with $1 million in matching funds available. Here’s how you can make your year-end, tax-deductible donation go even further:

WHEN:

Thursday, Nov. 10 (beginning at 11 a.m.)

until Friday, Nov. 11 (ending at 11 a.m.)

WHERE/HOW:

Make an online credit card contribution of $20 or more to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation:

Go to The Columbus Foundation website
Click on the GIVE NOW button
Select Columbus Metropolitan Library from the list of non-profit organizations

You can make your donation by using a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express). Columbus Foundation donors can also make a gift from their Donor Advised Fund(s). See complete details on how the Big Give works and how your contribution will be matched on the Columbus Foundation website.

WHY:

Your donation will help support vital library programs including:

Ready to Read Corps, helping at-risk families with early childhood literacy.
Summer Reading Club, ensuring kids keep reading skills high over the summer.
Homework Help Centers, providing kids with free after-school help.
Job Help Centers, getting Ohioans back to work.

A high-volume response from library supporters will send a positive message to the Columbus Foundation and confirm to the community that the library is vital to our community.

So spread the word and prepare to make the Big Give a big deal for our library on Nov. 10!

CML wins 2011 Nation Medal for community service

columbusfol — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:20:02 +0000

Today Executive Director Pat Losinski announced the latest in a very long list of impressive accomplishments for CML: The 2011 National Medal for community service.

Issued by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), it is considered the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. CML was specifically recognized for our Homework Help Centers, Ready to Read Corps and Job Help Centers. Check out the news from Pat here.

Friends of the Library issue call for board applications

columbusfol — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Would you describe yourself as an energetic, dynamic individual looking for an opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful, positive way? The Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is searching for people meeting that description to serve on the organization’s Board of Trustees. Maybe they’re searching for you!

Friends of the Library board members absolutely love the library and have a heart for volunteer leadership. Prospective trustees often have previous experience serving on boards or committees along with knowledge of organizational recruiting, fundraising and budgeting. Board members serve three-year-terms (donating several evenings each month), and enthusiastically network and advocate for the library throughout our community.

If this volunteer leadership opportunity sounds like it might be a good fit for you, click FOL_Nomination_Package_2012 to download a copy (PDF) of the information packet and application. Mail the completed form (along with any additional materials detailing your skills and experience) to Friends of the Library, c/o Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 South Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. Fax (614) 849-1153. For more information, contact Donna Zuiderweg at (614) 849-1053 or via email at dzuiderweg@columbuslibrary.org

To be considered, submissions must be received by 5 p.m., October 28, 2011. The nominating committee will begin reviewing applications soon thereafter.

Carnegie Gallery presents “Strands”

columbusfol — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:24:25 +0000

Artists on front (left to right): Linda Skelley, Sherry Simone and Brittany Stigler

Creative Arts of Women (CAW), Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Friends of the Library proudly present Strands. The show features visual and performance art about hair, fibers, DNA and other “strands.” Proceeds will be donated to the Hair Theater Fund, helping patients experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy buy wigs or hats.

CAW is open to all women who consider themselves artists and provides mentoring, support and exposure.

Show Dates: September 15 – October 21
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Main Library’s Carnegie Gallery (2nd floor)

Curated by Stephanie Rond

Friends sail for Kiwanis and summer reading club

columbusfol — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:10:15 +0000

Community leaders from throughout central Ohio gathered on the front lawn of the Columbus Metropolitan Library to participate in a fun-filled event to raise money for the Columbus Kiwanis Foundation and the Library’s award-winning Summer Reading Program. Each participating organization is issued a small wooden yacht, which they race across a 6 foot swimming pool using power squirt guns. The double elimination event is high energy, exciting and guaranteed to bring some laughs. The Friends of the Library participated again this year; Friends trustee, Susan Meyer, decorated the yacht and fellow Trustee, Todd Suddeth, raced it.

Ohio Library Council recognizes Friends

columbusfol — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:22:08 +0000

Ohio Library Council has awarded FOL the Ohio Friends of the Library Recognition Award. The OLC acknowledges the extraordinary people and organizations that make Ohio libraries great. According to the OLC, “The 2011 Awards and Honors winners have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional achievements, and remarkable dedication to providing the best library service to their communities.”