Newsletter I March 2024

President's Message

Shaking off the winter thaw is more than welcome, especially in Texas. Everyone is itching for signs of growth and renewal, and it is coming.

The Rockwall County Library has programs featuring Master Gardeners, and the Butterfly Garden is eager for new winged friends to arrive. This month, FRIENDS will host a Spring Tea fundraiser, as we prepare to make our annual donation to the Library all because of YOUR support.

Grab your pearls and join us in April to hear about Audrey Hepburn from our beloved friend, Jill Beam. There is always something GOOD happening at the Library.

In FRIENDship,

Carrie Pickell

Library Happenings

On Wednesday, March 20th, a Master Gardener will be available from 10-12 PM at the Rockwall County Master Gardener table on the first floor next to the stairs, to answer all things gardening!

No registration required.

If you have an interest in exploring your family history but are not sure where to start, then join our monthly Tuesday evening FamilySearch program! We meet in the technology lab from 6:00-7:30pm. Registration is not required for the March 19^th class.

**If you would lk to volunteer at the Spring Festival event on behalf of FOL, click here. Thank you!

Click here to contact Tenille Miller, Rockwall County Library if you want to volunteer with Tax Assistance

Check out the Library Newsletter using the link below. It is filled with LOTS of good information and more upcoming activities!

Rockwall County Library Newsletter

Library Hours:

Monday 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Tuesday 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Wednesday 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM

Friday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Sunday - Closed

Rockwall County Library website

April 9th General Meeting

Friends of the Library repeat guest and fan favorite, Jill Beam, is coming to entertain us in April. She will be reviewing Melissa Stern’s book “How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life.”

Jill will uncover who Audrey really was, and after hearing this review you will leave feeling more lovely than when you arrived!

So, wear you pearls and that little black dress for a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” style brunch at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9^th.

Breakfast at Tiffany's themed brunch menu:

Mini Quiches - Spinach and Ham & Cheese

Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Fruit Salad

Croissants, Mini Muffins, Scones

Desserts: Sugar Cookies, Mini Lemon Tarts, Mini Cake Muffins

Black tea, Strawberry Hibiscus Tea, and Water

All General Meetings and are open to the community and require reservations.
A $20 reservation includes meeting, program, and lunch. Prepaid Tickets through website/PayPal.
Contact Pam Shirley at 214-334-0046 for reservation without lunch or to pay by cash/check.
A $5.00 reservation includes meeting and program only, for a maximum of five persons.

Tickets are $20 and include lunch. Click below to purchase tickets by April 2. Any questions regarding reservations should be sent to friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com.

Purchase Tickets Here

May 14th General Meeting

Friends of the Library welcomes motivational speaker and bestselling author Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan (retired) with his book A Dog Called Hope: The Wounded Warrier and the Dog Who Saved Him.

SSgt Morgan is a military Paralympic athlete, national spokesperson for Canine Companions, and co-founder of the Veterans Outpost - a retreat for military veterans to relax and remember.

Come join SSgt. Jason Morgan with his dog on Tuesday, May 14th at 11 a.m.

Lunch menu:

Wraps: - Chicken, Tuna & Egg Salad

Waldorf Salad

Desserts: Strawberry Cake & Cinnamon Apple Cake

Black Tea, Lavender Lemonade, and Water

All General Meetings and are open to the community and require reservations.
A $20 reservation includes meeting, program, and lunch. Prepaid Tickets through website/PayPal.
Contact Pam Shirley at 214-334-0046 for reservation without lunch or to pay by cash/check.
A $5.00 reservation includes meeting and program only, for a maximum of five persons.

Tickets are $20 and include lunch. Click below to purchase tickets by May 7th. Any questions regarding reservations should be sent to friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com.

Purchase Tickets Here

Business Membership Spotlight

We thank these businesses for supporting Friends of the Library and the many programs that the Library offers!

Patrons:

Ebby Halliday, Jerry Welch
Edward Jones, Price Buckley
First Impressions Promotional Products, Carole Maxwell
Freeman's Cleaners, Song Who-lk
HBTX - Homebank Texas
LYONS Air & Heat

Each month we will continue to feature our different business partners here. If you wish to join or renew your business membership, please use the QR Code above. Your membership is GREATLY appreciated!

Announcements

Members: Please check your email for a Bylaw and Standing Rule proposed amendment notification.

Voting will take place at the April 9th meeting.

Proposed Slate of Officers for 2024-25 Board of Directors

A proposed slate of officers has been presented to the Board of Directors and approved for the 2024-25 year.

A vote by FOL General Membership will be held at the April 9 General Meeting.

The FOL Board of Directors serve a one year term beginning May 1 through April 30.

Proposed Slate of Officers:

President - Kathleen Evans
President-Elect - Lesli Johnson
First VP Programs - Joy Hosey
Second VP Fundraising and Special Events - Shannon Wilson and Leigh Wilcoxson
Third VP Membership - Susan Sisto and Jen Lewis
Fourth VP Business Membership - Darlene Reed
Fifth VP Communication - Carrie Pickell
Secretary - Lea Carlson
Treasurer - Karen Frederick

Details about each position can be found on the FOL website under the ByLaws and Standing Rules links.

The Nominating Committee for 2024-25 as approved by the current Board of Directors: Kathleen Evans, chair; Kathleen Broze; Leigh Wilcoxson; Margaret Davidson and Leigh Plagens.

The Hartman Award is given annually to a FOL member who has performed over and above the requirements of their position and has promoted the Library and FOL beyond required activities. The recipients of this award have been people who willingly gave of their time for the good of the Library and FOL.

The nomination deadline is March 31, 2024

Send nominations or questions to friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com

Any member in good standing may submit a nomination.
Previous Hartman recipients and the current President are not eligible for nomination.

Nominations should be in writing with a brief statement of between 100 and 175 words, giving the reasons why this member deserves to receive the award. Before submitting the nomination, the individual must be contacted for permission to place their name before the general membership for a vote. This is also an opportunity to get information to include in the supporting statement.

*If you are a previous recipient of the Hartman Award and received a piece of the Hartman China, please email friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com.

Tickets for General Meetings and Special Events must be purchased no later than seven days prior to the event.

More Good Stuff

Book Discussion Group

Literacy Center

The Adult Literacy Program has convenient class schedules, including weekend mornings and select evening classes. Tutors are local volunteers and there are no fees for the program classes. There is a small fee for books.

If you have any interest in volunteering as a tutor, please contact the Literacy Center at (972) 204-7705.

2023 Literacy Center Stats:

897 Class meetings held:

Citizenship - 118

ESL - 632

GED - 144

Literacy - 12

326 Students

37 Volunteers

3,684 Volunteer Hours

Book Alcove

The Book Alcove is accepting book donations every day the Library is open.

Funds raised from the sale of these items go towards Library needs and programs offered.

Come check out the new offerings and take home a book today.

Friends of the Library is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels Senior Services to offer homebound clients books through the Book Alcove. Lynn Fate manages this program and carefully selects books per genre or title requests and they are delivered each month with meal delivery. Donations matter. Keep this in mind as you clean out your collections.

*Large Print Books are in demand for this program. If you have any to donate, please take to the Library and mark them as "Meals on Wheels." They can be left with the circulation desk.