Friends lend library a helping hand

A pleased Moffat notes that the library already has plans for the money, including bolstering the library’s popular Fast Reads program. “That’s wonderful, because last year we had 5,099 loans in that collection alone. At any time there are between 100 and 130 titles in that collection, in both French and English.” The Fast Reads program features timely, high-demand items such as museum catalogues, prize-winning books, and books with a high media profile such as those selected for the CBC’s Canada Reads programs.

“What we’re also hoping to do with the money this year is Books in a Bag,” continued Moffat. This program would allow the library to buy multiple copies of a given book for the use of local book clubs, making it easier for their members to have access to the title. If a club requested the book from the library, they’d get the copies along with information about the book and the author, significant reviews of the book, and other relevant articles. Moffat hopes to be able to present this new program “as a service to the many book clubs there are in Westmount.”

Some decisions for the new program still remain. “We don’t know yet what our first titles will be,” said Moffat. “We’re thinking about that. What would appeal to the most groups, non-fiction, as well as fiction.” Moffat noted that book clubs are popular in Westmount. “We have a lot of book clubs. Every year on World Book Day, April 23, we have a reception for them.” Moffat said that choices for the first Books in a Bag titles will be made by the time of this year’s reception.

Besides presenting the cheque, the Friends of the Library also chose a new executive at the Feb. 27 meeting. Carolyn O’Neill is the new President, with Anne Morillot as Vice-President. David Gawley is the Treasurer, with Solanges Marcoux as Secretary. Carolyn O’Neill and Lee Taylor will continue to oversee the Friends’ book sales.

“We’re really glad we have them supporting the library,” said Moffat, citing the Friends’ work not only in raising money, but also in finding events for the library and acting as advocates for library use. “Their book sale is amazing, and really a community service, because they take donated books that are not being added to the collection and recycle them to other readers. It’s a wonderful form of sustainable living — somebody else gets the joy of reading the book.” Moffat noted the money raised by the sales increases each year, even though most volumes are sold for only $1 or $2.

The Friends also maintain the “looney-tooney truck” by the library’s circulation desk, which sells paperback books for $1 and hardcovers for $2. The next Friends of the Westmount Library book sale will be held on April 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.