Chesterfield County Public Library

Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Library

Mission Statement

The mission of the Friends of the Library is to help the Chesterfield County Public Library achieve its objectives and generate community support for those objectives.  It does this by:

• focusing public attention on and creating interest in library resources and activities
• fostering the idea of the Chesterfield County Public Library as an active and dynamic cultural, educational and recreational force in the community and encouraging its use as a community center for such activities
• encouraging and promoting the donation of gifts, financial and otherwise, which may assist the library
• serving as a link between the library and the community it serves, interpreting each to the other
• providing knowledgeable and willing volunteers for library activities
• educating members and general citizens about the need for legislation that fosters the growth of the library system.

What Do the Friends Do?

The Friends raise money...

• From the library photocopiers.
• At used book sales.
• From members' dues and donations.
• Through participation in the Ukrop's Benevolink program.

... and use the money to pay for library programs and materials like...

• Audiobooks for all branches.  
• The Summer Reading Program.
• Children's Book Week, Virginia Library Week and National Library Week activities.
• TV/VCR unit and tapes for staff training.
• Gifts to each branch in recognition of library volunteers.
• Co-sponsoring of popular Writer's Workshop held annually in March.

The Friends also work to preserve and expand library services. Efforts in 1995 for the passage of a $10.3 million bond referendum are now visible in the new LaPrade and Chester Libraries and further the development of the electronic library systems. 

In 2006, the Chesterfield County Public Library Friends celebrated their 35th Anniversary of supporting public library service.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of citizens from around the county. This group focuses on county-wide issues. The Board of Directors coordinates the annual membership drive, publishes a quarterly newsletter, manages the copy service contract for all library branches (our primary source of income), pays for many countywide library programs, and funds various countywide equipment and staff training needs. We also communicate with legislators and policy-makers at the local, state and national levels concerning the importance of adequate funding for public libraries. Members of the Board of Directors are:

Board of Directors' Meeting Schedule

The Board of Directors meetings are the second Monday of each month(except June, July, August and December, during which there are no meetings), from 7 - 9 p.m., unless otherwise noted. As the need arises other sub-committee meetings may be called. Meetings are held at the Central Branch of the Chesterfield County Public Library, 9501 Lori Road.

2008
Monday, August 11 at 7 p.m.—Central Library
September 8
October 13
November 10

Board meetings are open for attendance by the public.  We welcome your attendance and your interest.

Branch Friends Chapters

Each of the nine branch libraries in the county has its own Friends Chapter. Local branches often hold used book sales or have other fundraising projects. Monies earned through these projects are returned to the local branch through purchases of books, videotapes, audiotapes, compact disks and other materials, sponsorship of children's and adult programming, purchase of equipment and furniture for the library, and other needs the individual branch may have. Local branches may also host cultural events, including Book and Author dinners, book talks, and special programs. Leaders of the local Friends groups are:

Branch Friends meetings:

Clover Hill: Meetings are from 7-8:45 p.m. in the meeting room
Monday, March 17
Monday, April 21
Monday, May 19
Monday, June 16
Monday, July 21
Monday, Aug 18
Monday, Sept 15
Monday, Oct 20
Monday, Nov 17

Book Sales

Smart shoppers throughout the area find fantastic bargains at Friends of the Library book sales.  Donated and discarded books, magazines, and records are available at unbelievably low prices.  Some sales also include CDs, software and videotapes.  All branches have ongoing book sales, with books displayed on shelves or book trucks near the front of the library.  Central, Chester and Ettrick-Matoaca also have several large one-day sales throughout the year.

Join the Friends

The Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Libraries need you! Join the Friends today. Send your tax deductible contribution, along with your name, complete mailing address, telephone number, areas of interest (book sales, volunteering, programs, etc.), and branch affiliation to:

Friends of the Chesterfield County Public Library
P.O. Box 4842
Midlothian, VA  23112-4842

Memberships will run from January to December. Any Renewals or new memberships from September 1 to December 31 will be applied to the next year's membership. If you have not received information about joining the Friends or renewing your membership, please pick up a membership form at your local library or contact a local Friend for information.

Membership categories are: