A: Well, the Friends of the Napa Library’s (FOL) answer is “By being thoughtful stewards of the local and extended community’s donations.” In more detail, here’s how…
On a regular basis we make donations of magazines and books available to local teachers for their classroom’s libraries; we replace children’s books in laundromats and doctor/dentist offices; and we support the Napa Library’s annual Summer Reading Program directed to children and their families. We work to provide support to the Library through the stocking earbuds and thumb drives for the Library’s computer users. FOL also has a wonderful connection with the County through the Library’s Literacy program’s regular access to books and materials for the Jail, as well as via the annual invitation to participate in September’s Fall Festival coordinated by local Master Gardeners. This is just a sampling. There are many additional continuing activities!
Most folks in our community know of our periodic multi-day book sales held at the Napa Library. These book sales are a major source of funding for the Library’s programs and services. We are, however, always looking for new and exciting opportunities to reach further into our community of readers. Let me share just a few of the more recent exciting projects that demonstrate how we have grown in our reach into the community and the thanks we receive for our efforts:
- We have developed a substantial relationship with the Patient Enrichment Department staff at Napa State Hospital (NSH). The Dept’s representative regularly comes to FOL’s Library facility to collect appropriate magazines and books for various venues on the NSH campus.
- In addition, we recently received a very kind “thank you” from “Operation With Love From Home” with regard to the magazines and books we donate to the group to disperse to our military service people stationed around the world.
- The “COUNTY International School – Ghana” also shared a note of appreciation for the significant donation of books for their School located in Accra, Ghana, Africa, complete with a photo of the children in the Ghana School class. Incidentally, the U.S. has a contingent of military personnel stationed in Ghana. Now, that’s outreach!
As to FOL’s commitment to stewardship, all requests for in-kind printed materials are thoughtfully and carefully considered for relevance re: promoting early reading opportunities leading to a commitment to lifelong learning for all ages. Napa County residents are especially important to us, but if we can help out elsewhere without compromising our local financial and volunteer resources designed to support the Napa County Library, all the better. We couldn’t do any of it without our exceedingly generous community.
Sandy Fagan, President Friends of the Napa Library
January 2025