Friends of CML

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!

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.

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.

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 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.”

Don’t miss PBJ&Jazz at the Topiary Park this Saturday, August 13th. Storytime at the library starts at 11:00; Jazz starts at noon. Jazz 4 Kids’ Erik Augis, Lisa Clark and Friends will be performing. Click here for more details.

Check out these photos of the new reading room at Columbus Commons! The Friends have supplied the books and we hope you will enjoy reading at the new park. Join us for the grand opening and a special storytime Saturday, May 28 at noon. See www.columbuscommons.org for more details on the park and its events.