Meet Our Best Friends: Lansing Libraries
Chambers' love of the libraries’ services and resources motivated her to join the Friends last year. She also knew she wanted to support her local branch in some way, so she joined and got to work. She says the Friends are currently in the middle of a leadership transition and are developing internal systems, such as forming different committees. Looking forward, they’re planning to focus on promoting the Lansing Branches and diversifying their finances.
The Friends’ most exciting ongoing initiative, Chambers says, is the Book Burrow. The Book Burrow is a used bookstore located in the basement of CADL Downtown Lansing and the Friends donate the profits to fund library initiatives. Chambers says their manager, Patricia, curates a fantastic selection of books and other media and it’s a great place to find used titles for affordable prices.
“If joining a Friends group isn't for you, consider supporting the Friends through patronizing book sales or the Book Burrow at the Downtown branch,” said Chambers.
One of Chambers’ favorite memories since joining the Friends was staffing a table at an Earth Day event with a fellow Friend. She says they were able to talk to community members, make a craft and meet Lansing Mayor Andy Schor during the event.
“It was fun to get people talking about the library and a great reminder of how many different groups make up the fabric of our city,” said Chambers.
If you’re considering joining a Friends group, consider what Chambers had to say: “You should join a Friends group if you value the role the library plays in your community. It's an easy way to connect with other library lovers, who are usually fellow bookworms, and help your local branch provide the programming that makes CADL so special.”
“The Friends of the Lansing Libraries support is so essential that we could not provide the programming and services that we do without them,” said CADL Lansing Libraries Head Librarian Melissa Cole. “I am so thankful for their hard work and dedication to the Lansing Libraries that I probably tell them how much I appreciate their work at every meeting.”
Ready to become a member? Visit www.cadl.org/friends to learn more about our Friend groups and how you can get involved. Keep up with the Friends of the Lansing Libraries and Book Burrow by following their Facebook page.