The Friends of the library, Hardy County, Inc. (known as “the Friends”) was established in 1938. The original name was Hardy County Public Library Association, Inc. and the funding was provided by the Randolph and Marian Johnson Endowment Fund. Back then, dues were $1 for the year. Now they are $5.00 per year. In 1938, the officers of the corporation were also committee members of the fund. This committee was charged with managing the investment of the funds with the purpose of generating income to benefit the library. Since then, that fund has continued to generate income and, along with the fund-raising activity of the Friends, supports a variety of activities.
To illustrate, throughout the 1940's to the 1960's, the Friends arranged for the Hardy County community to have a reading library readily available to all.
In the late 1970’s, the Friends sponsored the Fine Arts Program in the schools of Hardy County which included the performance arts, readings and musical concerts by students and the WV Symphonette. In addition, the Theater West Virginia performed a re-enactment of Mark Twain’s performances as a humorist and story-teller. There were performances by the Highland Jazz Band, Larry Croce and Roger Bryant, both folk singers, Headley Barnesley, a concert soprano and musical presentations by the dulcimer quartet Trapezoid and the Putnam County Pickers.
Continuing the tradition, in June 1980 the Friends obtained on loan The Smithsonian Institution's Traveling Exhibition which included two exhibitions. One was called “Folk Arts and Crafts: The Deep South” and the other was “America’s First Ladies: The evolution of the Role of the First Lady”.
Through the nineties and the millennium, a variety of art, performance and author book-reading events have been supported by the Friends.
Originally, the Friends met three times a year but now the group meets every month because, over the years, the activities offered by the library that are sponsored by the “Friends” has expanded to cover the entire year.
The WV Arts and Humanities Division of the Department of Culture and History has long supported the Hardy County Library with praise and financial support and most recently provided some of the funding for the Heritage Project which is a joint endeavor of the Friends and the Historical Society of West Virginia.
Currently, the Friends sponsor:
The Student Art Show which is exhibited during March, April and May so that the Elementary, Middle/Intermediate and Senior students of Hardy County can exhibit their talent which is judged and rewarded with monetary prizes. Click here to visit the library's Facebook page to see pictures of the art shows and other events that Friends of the Library is involved in.
In the Spring, the Friends raise funds through contributions by its members during the annual fund-raiser.
The Summer Reading Program, that includes children and adults, requires books to be read after the school sessions ends. At the end of the program, the Friends sponsor a party to reward the readers for their achievements.
We also run raffles for tablets and other items to raise additional funds to provide for one-time events such as book readings and art exhibits.
Our major fund-raiser is the annual Silent Auction which is held in November each year. Through the generous contributions of local businesses and residents, we are able to acquire enough funds to provide needed equipment and enhance current services or provide new services to the users of the Hardy County Library.
At the end of the year, we host a reception to show our appreciation to the library contributors and users. The annual event which includes refreshments and live entertainment has grown in popularity over the years.
If you are interested in joining Friends of the Library, please call 304-538-6560 and speak to a library staff member for more information.
FOL Annual Agenda
January
Recap Silent Auction proceeds
Decide on Reception(s) and dates for Student Art Shows
Decide on HCC Annual Meeting Attendance
February
Plan Elementary Art Show for March
Decide on Objective of Annual Fund Drive
March
Plan Middle School Art Show for April
Plan for Annual Fund Drive
Begin preparation for Summer Reading Program
April
Send Annual Fund Drive Letter
Plan Senior Division Art Show for May
Set date for Art Show Award Ceremony
May
Plan Art Show Award Ceremony
Report Annual Fund Drive Results
Finalize participation in Summer Reading Program
June
Transfer monies to library-Annual Drive & Summer Reading Program
July
Various items to be announced
August
Annual Recess
September
Silent Auction Preparation-identify new prospects
Distribute Silent Auction contacts
Prepare for Membership Drive in October
October
Collect donations for Silent Auction
November
Conduct Silent Auction
Plan Christmas reception
December
Christmas Reception
2nd Monday of the Month -- 4-5pm -- Main Meeting Room of Hardy County Library (some exceptions as listed below)
Dates
Year 2014
May 12, June 9, July14, August – No Meeting, September 8, October 13, November 22,
December – No Meeting.
Year 2015
January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August - No Meeting
September 14, October 12, November 21 (at closing of Silent Auction), December – No Meeting