Who Are We?

The Friends of the Library is a group that supports the library and its programs by receiving donated materials, sponsoring two book sales annually, distribution of a monthly library newsletter, and other promotional activities.

What Do We Do?

• Monies donated through the annual book sales are used to fund programs and prizes for Summer Reading for all ages, author visits and special programs for the public.
• Volunteer for book sale set up and staffing during the day.

Like to Join?

Support your local library by joining the Friends of the Library! Fill out a form and send it (or stop by!) with payment. As a member, you will also receive our monthly newsletter by chosen format that includes information on upcoming programs, new materials, and more!

Meetings are open to the public and are held the 2nd Tuesday in February, March, April, May, August and November. May’s annual meeting includes a plant swap and fun program for the whole family!

History of Friends of the Library

On June 6, 1996, the Friends of Thorntown Public Library, Inc., was established to support the library with time/volunteerism, publicity, and finance.

After Karen Niemeyer had been hired in July, 1994, Ellen Witte told her, “The library needs a Friends group.”  At the organizational meeting Mark X. Sullivan was selected as president,  Donna Rice as vice president, Ellen Witte as secretary, and Gerald Caldwell as treasurer.  Nina Caldwell was also identified to serve on the board.  Dues were  $5.00 for individuals.  The name of the group was chosen, meeting dates determined, projects of interest discussed, and a committee established to develop by-laws.  Since the Lebanon Public Library had created a Friends group in 1986, the Thorntown Library reviewed the Lebanon history, appreciated having a model nearby, and  thanked Fern Miner for suggesting the information-sharing.  Ellen Witte can rightfully be called the mother of Thorntown Public Library’s Friends of the Library organization.

It was decided that the public library newsletter would be established under the auspices of the Friends.  The June and July, 1996, issues were created as a “Thorntown Public Library Newsletter,” but by August the newsletter became that of the Friends, and by September a masthead had been created.  For fourteen years Melissa Jo Darnell laid out the newsletter after staff provided the content, but after her death  in June 2010, library staff again resumed publisher responsibilities.

The Friends group as a financial arm was helpful because at that time no refreshments nor reading program prizes could be purchased with taxpayer dollars.  Recently Indiana law changed so that refreshments for children’s programs may be purchased, but in Thorntown it is the Friends’ budget that continues to provide treats as well as prizes.  Many times the parents of children participating in programs provide the snacks, but at other times, and also for adult programs, the Friends step in.

In September 1996 the Friends held their first book sale fund-raiser.  The booth was on Main Street in front of the pharmacy; a paperback or magazine was five cents and a hardcover book cost a dime.  That first book sale raised approximately $181.00.   The next year the group decided to accept donations instead of establishing a fee and making change.  Since they made about $360.00 that year, the donation method has been used for all book sales since 1997.  A special formula is now used:  40 boxes of books and materials is a small sale, 80 is a nice sale, and 120 is a BIG book sale.  All funds received go into the Friends coffers and are used for library programs, speakers, and other projects.  Book sale income since 1996 has ranged from the $181 to more than a thousand dollars.

Annually, the Friends provide the Halloween treats distributed to costumed visitors who visit on Halloween evening, and treats are provided for the annual Christmas Family Night at the Library.    Program topics and speakers funded by the Friends have included authors,  gardener Dick Crum, puppets, calligraphy, genealogy, art, Indiana in the Civil War, health, needlework, crafts, and a plethora of children’s, young adult and adult programs.

The largest scale projects by the Friends of Thorntown Public Library, Inc., were raising more than $50,000 to establish in 2007 the reproduction of the Mills Memorial Fountain and $35,000 to create The Secret Garden on the north side of the library in 2009.   Both of these projects were cut from the 2003-4 library expansion and renovation in order to avoid increased taxation of area residents.

We say, “Thanks to our Friends!”  They contribute greatly to the success of the library and we appreciate the time, volunteerism, publicity, and financial assistance they have been providing for seventeen years.  The membership year runs from Jan 1 through Dec 31; if you haven’t joined renewed for the current year, please do so!  New members are always welcome  ($10 per individual or family) and will receive the monthly newsletter.