What do the Friends Volunteers do?
The Otsego District Public Library is a valuable, popular community resource, and a great part of its value comes from members of Friends of the Library, who are an integral part of what we do. Quite simply, the library wouldn’t run as smoothly without our amazing volunteers.
Our Friends manage Twice Told Tales Bookstore, which is next to the Circulation Desk, as well as several book sales throughout the year. Friends provide funding for and volunteer at the Summer Reading Program, which raises funds for children and literacy materials. They help with Lyrics on the Lawn each August, including making dozens of bags of popcorn and selling bottled water.
Mission Statement
The Friends of the Otsego Public Library consists of citizens who are interested in promoting and expanding the library’s services to the community.
Twice Told Tales: The Friends of the Library Bookstore
Twice Told Tales – Friends of the Library Used Bookstore is open for shopping and is fully stocked. The book store accepts cash and checks (made out to “Friends of the Otsego Library)– please pay at the circulation desk.
Donations & Donation Drop-Off Bin
Donations to the store are welcome year round and are encouraged by all. The friends not only have books in the store but also a magazine exchange. Current magazines (6 months or newer) can also be donated to the Friends Bookstore at any time. We request that you remove/black out personal information for privacy reasons.
The Friends of the Library have location for book donations. Drive around the library building and park in the donation drop-off parking space. Open up doors, place your donations in the bin(s) and close the doors. This outdoor drop-off is accessible 24/7, has a security camera, and is lit at night. Do not remove donations from the bins and close the doors/lit after your donation. Your donations help our library collection!
Membership in Friends of the Library
Members of Friends of the Library are local citizens who want to help promote and expand library services to the community. They are people interested in supporting the library and encouraging and fostering reading appreciation throughout Otsego and surrounding communities.
Becoming a member is easy. Once you complete an application, the library will conduct a background check. After you become a member, all you need to do is volunteer with at least one library event each year. There are no membership dues, and there are only four yearly meetings to conduct any necessary business.
Here are a few things Friends Members do:
- Help at Twice Told Tales Bookstore – sorting and shelving books, maintaining book displays, tidying up the store, and interacting with guests in the store.
- Help with book sales – planning, stocking, working at the sale, and helping remove displays when the sale is over.
- Help with the yearly Summer Reading Program, Lyrics on the Lawn – Summer Concert Series, and the annual Early Literacy Fundraiser.
2024 BIG FALL Book Sale
Friday, October 11 from 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, October 12 from 9 AM – 2 PM – Saturday is $3/Bag Day!
2024 Friends Meetings
March 18 @ 1 PM
May 20 @ 1 PM
August 19 @ 1 PM
November 18 @ 1 PM
2025 BIG SPRING Book Sale
Friday, April 25 from 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday, April 26 from 9 AM – 2 PM
Ready to join?
All you need to do is stop by the library and pick up an application at the Circulation Desk or at Twice Told Tales Bookstore.
Questions? Call the library at 269-694-9690.
