Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
With the passing of each year, I come to appreciate even more what a good thing we have going here. It starts with our members and others in the community who donate used books and support library functions with unwavering commitment.
Then, there’s the library staff that appreciates us more than we could hope for and whose creativity and energy turn our contributions into impactful and far-reaching programs that benefit every age group in the community.
And, of course, there is the incomparable team of volunteers who simply don’t have an off button when it comes to sharing their time and talents in the pursuit of assisting the library in its mission to give patrons access to ideas and tools that will enrich their lives.
So, I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising to report that these three groups—community members, library staff and volunteers—accomplished some great things in 2023. Here are a few examples:
FINANCIAL RESULTS
While we saw some shifts in the amount of revenue that came from our various sources, the overall results continued to improve, reaching close to pre-pandemic levels:
PROGRAMS, IMPROVEMENTS AND SERVICES
When it comes to special programming for library patrons, the Cascade branch leads the way in quantity, quality and variety. And, funding from the Friends helps make it all possible. Whether it’s craft fairs, reindeer night, dinosaur events, touch-a-truck or any of numerous other activities, no one does it better than our library.
The pandemic caused the Friends to temporarily put the brakes on several programs, like Flix @ the Library, Booked for Lunch and Dining for Dough. But, it appears that the “temporary” status might now be “permanent” since the viability of those programs doesn’t seem to have survived the pandemic.
In 2023 the Friends introduced something called “Book-It,” a free service that offers to come to book donors’ homes to box and transport larger collections to the library. As it catches on in popularity, we expect that it will help reverse the recent trend in fewer book donations, which are essential to our bottom line.
And, finally, one of the biggest highlights of the year was the ground-breaking for what will become Friendship Park on the library grounds. There is a separate story in this issue to update you on its progress. So, I will only say here that we are thrilled to have played a pivotal role in its conception and development.
--Joe David
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
When you become a Friend, you help support an important part of the social fabric of your community. Plus, you earn "Early Bird" privileges at most book sales, which means you gain entry to the sales in advance of non-members to have first shot at the books of greatest interest to you. And, we will notify you of any scheduled book sales or special events. So, you'll never miss out on an opportunity.
If you’ve been to the Cascade library recently, you might have found yourself at the service desk asking what all the commotion is about outside, where tractors and workers moved earth and carefully placed large slabs of rock to begin sculpting what will soon become Friendship Park.
Even Old Man Winter did his part to help keep the work moving by holding back its most bitter temperatures and snow until January to let the workers get a jump on the development of the park and keep things on schedule, according to Lulu Brown, branch manager.
“Our patrons aren’t used to seeing the grounds torn up and that kind of activity around the library,” she said. “So, we’re happy to tell them what it’s all about and share our excitement for what it’s going to be when completed. And, we are very fortunate and grateful that the weather has cooperated because we want the park available to the community by the spring.”
An artist’s rendering of what the park will look like depicts a setting that will, at the same time, deliver relaxation and utility depending on each visitor’s needs. It will feature gardens, a fountain, a pavilion, walking paths, gathering spots, beautiful landscaping and botanical adventures for the curious.
“When you look out at all the mounds of dirt and snow, it’s hard to picture just how amazing it is going to be,” Brown said. “Not only will it be a wonderful resource for the community to utilize for its own purposes, it is going to be an invaluable tool for our library team in delivering even more diverse programs for our patrons.”
Spring is always a time of beauty and anticipation in Michigan. And, this year, we’ll have one more thing to get excited about.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
This artist's rendering shows what plans for Friendship Park look like.
Editor's Note: The Friends are able to help fund many events, programs and equipment needs of the Cascade Branch of KDL thanks to the donation of time, money and used books from members of the community. Here is just one of the ways that your generosity has been put to work in recent months. These activities are sponsored in whole or in part by the Friends.
By Leigh Verburg
Branch Outreach and Programming Specialist
Winter Greetings! On behalf of everyone at the library, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredibly generous contributions the Friends have made again and again over the years. Their support has made a significant impact on our community and made our programs the reigning jewel of KDL, and I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you.
The Kids and Teens Craft event, in collaboration with Reindeer Night, was a resounding success! We had an amazing turnout of 1,100 people who immersed themselves in festive activities. From crafting adorable reindeer headbands to decorating their own trees, the joy and laughter echoed throughout the library. The photo opportunities with Santa, a reindeer, and a gingerbread person added a magical touch, and the homemade crafts sold by our talented young artists were a big hit.
Your generosity has also paved the way for a series of upcoming programs sponsored by our Friends group. We have exciting weekly and monthly events like Awesome Adults, BINGO Hour, and Game Zone lined up for the next few months. These programs play a crucial role in fostering community connections, and we are grateful for the financial support that allows us to offer them.
In particular, our Retro Arcade and Mini Golf in the Stacks event on January 26th was a phenomenal success. Partnering with 616 Amusements, we brought classic arcade games for patrons to enjoy unlimited free play. Mini golf and other yard games added an extra layer of fun in the main library, engaging patrons of all ages and reaching out to the gaming community in a unique way. This program not only brought joy but also helped combat the winter blues, drawing people back into the library during the coldest months.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our upcoming Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament on February 17th. Groups of 2 to 4 will compete to complete the puzzle the fastest, with all participants given the same puzzle. It promises to be a fantastic event, fostering teamwork and friendly competition among our patrons.
Once again, thanks from all of us you for your incredible support which lets the Friends “do their thing.” Your commitment to our library and community makes a lasting difference, enabling us to create memorable experiences and provide valuable programs for everyone.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
The 2nd annual Reindeer Night brought out 1,100 Christmas lovers, including this mom and daughter.
The Friends will host their annual "spring-is-just-around-the-corner" used book sale on March 16 and 17 in the Cascade Library’s Wisner Center. The doors will open on Friday for members-only at 9:30 am and then for the general public at 10:30 am. The Friday sale will run through 4 pm. Then, it will resume for all comers at 1 pm Saturday and end at 3 pm.
Thousands of books will be available in almost every category imaginable: fiction, nonfiction, biography, self-help, home and garden, cookbooks, leisure and hobbies, religion and spiritual, business, life science, health and diet, and children’s and teens. An assortment of CDs and DVDs will also be on sale.
Book prices will be $1 for hardbacks, $0.50 for paperback and $10 for a bag of books. You can pay with cash, check or credit card.
If you would like to have “Early Bird” access to the sale but don’t have an active membership, you can purchase one at the door. Membership prices remain unchanged at $10 for a non-senior adult, $5 for a senior (60 and over), $5 for a student, $15 for a family and $100 for a lifetime membership.
All proceeds from the sale go toward supporting the needs of the library.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
The next indoor book sale is on March 16-17 in the library's Wisner Center.
It probably goes without saying that an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the needs of the library would place a high priority on acknowledging and rewarding educational achievement and volunteerism in high school students.
So, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the Friends of the Cascade Library will continue a tradition that began in 2009 as a tribute to Marilyn Meyer—a founding member of the organization—by awarding two $1,500 scholarships to deserving graduating seniors in the Forest Hills Public Schools system, according to Debbie Straub, scholarship program coordinator.
“Marilyn was a role model and mentor to me when I first got involved with the Friends,” Straub said. “She worked tirelessly to support the library for more than 35 years, which is why this academic scholarship program is such an apt tribute to her memory and legacy.”
But, she added, the scholarships acknowledge more than just Marilyn’s contribution to the organization...they represent the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers over the years who give freely of their most valuable possession—time—for the benefit of others.
“The Friends have awarded 23 scholarships totaling $28,000 since the program’s inception,” she said. “But, these scholarships are only possible because of the thousands of hours donated every year by more than 50 volunteers. So, it is poetic that, in addition to academic success, the scholarships are awarded to students who best exemplify the volunteer spirit that motivates our volunteers and Marilyn before them.”
The application deadline for the 2024 scholarships is February 15, with the two winners announced on March 15. Details about how to apply, along with the necessary form, are available at cascadefriends.org/scholarship.
Applicants' volunteer service should be civic and secular in nature, with an emphasis on community assistance and/or improvement. Demonstrating a commitment to volunteering at the Cascade Library, in particular, is strongly encouraged but not required.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
The deadline to apply for one of the Friends scholarships is February 15.
Editor’s Note: Those of us who work alongside other volunteers in the basement of the library, sorting thousands of books for resale, know firsthand just how much their commitment, passion, sense of humor and concern for others make it a wonderful and meaningful way to invest time and talents in the community.
There is nothing “gray” about Ellen Gray’s passion for the library and her boundless willingness to take on 50 tasks at once if it will benefit the Friends. So, if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her in person, we would like to introduce you to her now in a question-and-answer format:
Q. How did you meet your eventual husband, Speed?
A. In 1962, starting my 10th grade year a bit late, having moved from Philadelphia to Cleveland with my dad’s transfer, I walked into Miss Henderson’s 10th grade English class and was seated between the two class cutups to separate them. One was Speed!
Q. How long have you been married?
A. After “going together” for six years, we were married on June 28, 1969, in Los Angeles.
Q. Tell us a little about your children and grandchildren?
A. We have three girls. Nancy, our oldest, lives in Shelby Township north of Detroit, and has three daughters: Molly, who just graduated from college; Betsy, a college senior; and Abby, a high school senior. Jenny, our second daughter who lives in San Francisco, has one son, Duke, age 9. Our youngest daughter is Betsy, who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Her daughter, Gray, is a sophomore in high school; and her other son, Penn, is an 8thgrader.
Q. What is your educational background?
A. After attending elementary school in St. Louis (where I was born), I attended middle school at Plymouth-Whitemarsh School outside of Philadelphia, and then graduated from Shaker Heights High School, outside of Cleveland, in 1965. I graduated from Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts with a degree in Fine Arts. That’s when my dad was transferred to Los Angeles, and I went along!
Q. What was your work and volunteer experience outside the home before the Friends?
A. I taught in a pre-school in Huntington Beach, CA for several years before I was married. Later, in 1976 when we lived in Elkhart, Indiana, I was hired by a local bank as the coordinator of a major project they were funding to paint all the fire plugs in town--more than 300--each in the costume of a famous revolutionary soldier in celebration of the bicentennial. Using volunteers, I was responsible for training and scheduling for each plug to be painted. In the 70s and 80s, I was very active in the Grand Rapids Junior League. I helped with numerous projects, including multiple years with their fundraiser Rummage Sale at DeVos Place in the spring. When my daughters were going through Forest Hills Central High School, I was in charge of the annual fall sports program, arranging photos of all the teams, designing and doing the layout for each program, and working with the printer during program production. I really enjoyed this project for the six or seven years I did it.
Q. How did you begin volunteering with the Friends?
A. Over the years I was a regular attendee at the July 4th Book Sales, where I learned about the Friends group and got to know several volunteers. I had always enjoyed the time I spent at the library; and with my daughters all grown, the timing was perfect to become more involved. It was Kathy Wosinski, Laurel Ingram and Marge Ohlman, who took me under their wings and helped me become involved.
Q. What type of things have you been involved with as a Friends volunteer?
A. Because I became close to Kathy, I naturally spent most of my time and energy helping with the July 4thand other book sales. Before her passing, I became her co-chair of the book sales events. She was such a special person to work with. I will always remember the many sales we did together over the years. I also work in the basement sorting donated books. I also chair a small group of volunteers who put up and take down the Christmas tree as part of the holiday celebration. Most recently I have become active with the group that goes out to people’s homes to pick up book donations.
Q. What do you most enjoy doing as a Friends volunteer?
A. I enjoy everything I do! Mostly, the camaraderie with all the Friends volunteers; meeting new people at the library, and helping folks out at the various book sales. There is always something exciting going on with the Friends group, and it’s motivating and enjoyable to see that the Friends really make a difference at the Cascade branch.
Q. How do you personally benefit as a Friends Volunteer?
A. Working with other people who truly love books as much as I do, and the friendships that have evolved.
Q. Is there any special memory that stands out from your time as a volunteer?
A. I will never forget the July 4th sale six or seven years ago, where the temperatures in the parking lot, where the tables were set-up, got to 107 degrees. The books got so hot we could hardly touch or move them, and we had to be on guard for anyone suffering from heat stress!
Q. Do you have any hobbies?
A. For most of my adult life I have been very involved in arts and crafts: sewing, knitting, painting. And one of my first loves and activities is Book Arts and Book Binding. These two very specialized interest areas involve the artistic modification and alteration of the book form. I have displayed some of my altered books in the display case in the library lobby. And, I also collect very small books and turn them into tree ornaments for the library Christmas tree. The kids love them.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Ellen Gray
The Cascade Book Discussion Group will meet at 10 am on February 19 in the library’s Wisner Center to discuss Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, “Demon Copperhead.”
If you have yet to read the book, a sampling of comments from the internet will give you a sense of its plot and purpose:
“The story is about a boy born to a single mother in a single-wide trailer in the mountains of Southern Appalachia. Set in Virginia, the story uses the first-person voice of its titular character to juxtapose the world’s beauty and ugliness. The story exposes the systemic failures of American institutions but celebrates the resiliency of the individual spirit. The author bases her novel on Charles Dickens’s “David Copperfield” (1850) to connect the present to the past, to combine cultures, and to adapt Dickens’s mission of using literature to hold a mirror up to society.’
“...a story that’s about love and neglect, the opioid epidemic, the plight of the poor, and the grinding, relentless poverty that keeps them down.”
“Although a bit grim, it’s voice is full of wit and warmth and hopes and dreams, no matter how much he feels looked down on as a hillbilly...the author has an obvious passion for social justice.”
Scheduling Change Coming in September
Beginning in September 2024, the book discussion will move from Monday to another weekday, either Wednesday or Thursday to accommodate some adjustments KDL has made to programming and scheduling practices, according to discussion facilitator Sara Moseley.
“The switch to a different day will allow me to continue to facilitate the group,” she said. “There's also a possibility that we will move away from the 10 am timeslot we currently share with the ebullient Storytime program in the next room. I will pass along the final decision as soon as I learn what it will be.”
Ann Patchett to Visit April 24
Ann Patchett is an American author who received the 2002 PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize for Fiction for her “Bel Canto” novel. Her most recent novel, “Tom Lake,” is described as a story “...about family, love, and growing up.”
Use this link to sign up for notifications about Ann Patchett's visit to the Calvin Fine Arts Center on April 24. This is NOT a registration link, but if you sign up, the system will alert you as soon as registration for the event becomes available.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Time truly does seem to fly. So, you might be surprised the next time you attend one of our book sales to find that your Friends membership has expired. Avoid any delays in getting into the Members-Only "Early Bird Sale" by making sure your membership is active now.
Check your membership card to see if it has expired. If it has, you can go to the "Store" on our website to renew or stop by the front desk the next time you visit the library. Membership dues remain very low at $5 for students and seniors (60+), $10 for an adult (under 60), $15 for a family and a one-time $100 charge for a Lifetime membership.
Every time you renew or become a new member, you’ll receive a coupon for a free book from our Chapter Two book store...a $3 value.
CONTINUE READING OR RETURN TO LIST OF ARTICLES
Keep an eye on the "Expiration" date on your membership card so you know when to renew.
Copyright © 2019 Friends of Cascade Library - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder