Mark your calendar: 2pm Feb. 20 Big Read Volunteer Meeting

February 6, 2010 in Books, Culture, Programming, Volunteering | No comments

We need youThanks to those of you who have already volunteered to help and who have joined us as Fans on Facebook.  We’re planning a BIG “Friends Revival” meeting later in spring to prepare for the grand opening, but before then we will also host a meeting for those interested in volunteering for Big Read events (see: http://ferndalefriends.org/?p=24).

Please join us for that meeting, help out at Big Read events and enjoy yourself in the process:

When: Saturday, 20 February, 2pm-3pm
Where: Ferndale Public Library 642 E. Nine Mile.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or call Darlene Hellenberg at the library, 248-546-2504.

p.s. We are still in the process of scheduling the “Revival” but it’s likely to be on the afternoon of Sunday, April 25 at the library.  Mark your calendar for that too!

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And now we also need your advice

January 31, 2010 in Books, Culture, Programming, Visual Arts, Volunteering | No comments

The “new” Friends of the Ferndale Library had an impromptu debut today at the magnificent Ferndale Schools Extravaganza.  Thanks to the organizers of the event and especially to the dozens of people who stopped by the Library/Friends table to ask questions, pick up free copies of the Maltese Falcon and watch the computer animation of what the library will look like when it opens this summer.

In putting together the materials for the debut we not only created a Facebook fans page and linked it to this page, but we also prepared some initial thoughts about what a renewed Friends group should look like in a community like Ferndale and what it should do.  We’ve started think about near term tasks and long term plans.

The big picture is a combination of service, fun and community:

  • We’ve got some work to do to supplement the library’s efforts, organizing programming, assisting as volunteers and raising money for special services and final touches on the new building.
  • We’ve got plans–and invite lots more–for parties, programs, and events that will make the library the premier destination in Ferndale.  The Friends can help the library in its efforts to inform and entertain the community.
  • We want to bring people together, to talk to one another and build relationships that will strengthen Ferndale.

There are a number of specific things that the new Friends can do in the next few months, even before the new library opens:

  • Promote and staff events related to The Big Read in February and March.  See: http://ferndalefriends.org/?p=24
  • Help the library develop a wonderful even to celebrate the Catalonian “Sant Jordi Day” of Books and Roses (more to come)
  • March in the Ferndale’s Memorial Day Parade
  • Organize the best Grand Opening party the city has seen in a long time.

This is just a start—the easy and obvious stuff—and there are so many other things that we could do.  Here is where we need your help:  fill out our online membership form (no obligation) or leave a comment on this page or on our Facebook wall and answer some questions:

  • What do you want from your new library?
  • What should the Friends be doing?

We’ll keep asking your help and relying on your opinions.  Please let us know what you’re thinking.

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You and Uncle Sam (Spade)

January 29, 2010 in Books, Culture, Programming, Visual Arts, Volunteering | 2 comments

The Big Read is going to be a big deal in Ferndale and we’re looking for a few people to help with a few tasks. Photographers, greeters, movers of furniture, all are welcome. The full list of events is here:
http://www.neabigread.org/communities/?community_id=2059

The list of things that we need help with is below. If you are interested in helping with any of these please email: ferndalefriends@yahoo.com or ferndalefriends.org@gmail.com

    Kick-Off Party @ the Library – Feb. 27, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

    • Count Attendees
    • Take Pictures (ask for permission from people to have their photos printed on web, etc)
    • Set Up / Clean Up

    WSU Panel Discussion @ Affirmations – March 3, 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    • Count Attendees
    • Take Pictures (ask for permission from people to have their photos printed on web, etc)
    • Help Greet People? Just be around in case people have Big Read questions

    Go Comedy – March 4, 11, 18, and 25 8:00 – 10:00 PM

    • Count Attendees
    • If I’m not there, say a few words at the beginning or end about upcoming events, thanks for coming, and tell them about donation box
    • Take Pictures (ask for permission from people to have their photos printed on web, etc)
    • Greet People? Just be around in case people have Big Read questions

    Film Noir Movie Series – March 12, 19, and 26 7:00 – 9:00 PM

    • Count Attendees
    • Set Up / Clean Up
    • Make announcements about up coming events (if I am not there)
    • Greet

    Key-Note Speaker – Loren D. Estleman March 25th 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    • Count Attendees
    • Refreshment table set up / clean up
    • Help greet people
    • Take Pictures (ask for permission from people to have their photos printed on web, etc)

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    Yes, we’re back! And already we need your help!

    January 20, 2010 in Uncategorized, Volunteering | 1 comment

    The Maltese Falcon

    The Friends of the Ferndale Library is the oldest friends group in the state of Michigan but not always the most active. That’s about to change. Our new library is opening in about half a year and when it does we hope once again to have one of the strongest and most dynamic Friends groups in the state.

    But first things first. We could use your help on one specific task. As part of the Big Read grant it received for this year the library needs our assistance in affixing labels to several hundred copies of The Maltese Falcon that we received for distribution to Ferndale residents.  There is not much time, but the work should not be onerous.  Those who are interested, can stop by or call the library or email Darlene Hellenberg at d.c.hellenberg@gmail.com.

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