A new Lincoln Public Library program launched in January 2024 is designed to address family literacy through a partnership with Lighthouse Counseling Center. Building on their existing relationship, the Library is expanding its outreach effort by providing “Read To Me” Baby Literacy Kits, which will be distributed by Lighthouse. Each kit contains bilingual Spanish/English board book, fabric baby activity book and information on early literacy tips and free library programs for young children. FOLL is excited to support this program with $2,000 for book purchases.

At its December meeting, the FOLL Board approved $125,665 for 2024 expenditures. FOLL will be purchasing $16,000 of books and magazines for the library’s collection plus $14,600 of books that will be given to teens and children. For the library’s digital collection, FOLL will provide $15,000 for Hoopla and $6,600 for Kanopy. And FOLL will fund two major projects — Purchase of a book locker in Downtown Lincoln and refurnishing the children’s library area. All this in addition to providing funds for the library’s many programs and events. Thank you to our many contributors who make it possible for FOLL to continue and expand its support of the Lincoln Public Library.

At the December 2024 board meeting, President Teresa Lai Stanislaw, along with three other board members were sworn in. The election took place at the Annual Membership Meeting in November. In addition to Teresa, Vice President Dawna Hawksworth, Book Sale Director Sharon Gorley and Newsletter Director Karen Lindh will be ready to start their new terms in January.

The Annual Membership Meeting, held November 18, provided a great opportunity to enjoy lunch while learning about how FOLL helps the Lincoln Public Library. Kathryn Hunt, Library Director, talked about the book lockers that will be installed in 2024 with financial help from the Friends. Guests viewed a video of the past year’s activities and Gloria Pilotti Irey, FOLL Treasurer, gave an in-depth summary of FOLL’s financial condition and supported library programs and services. She also presented the FOLL’s proposed 2024 budget. Karen Lindh, FOLL Newsletter Director, encouraged attendees to volunteer their time to help the library and FOLL. Mary Nader, Immediate Past President, announced the results of the election for the 2024 Board.

Thanks to all who purchased books, DVDs and other items at the November 4 BIG Book Sale. The sale brought in $1,700 to support the Lincoln Public Library and FOLL operations. And, a big “shout out” to Sharon Gorley, our Book Sale Director, and her crew for their many hours of work processing donations and helping at the sale. We also appreciate the help provided by Rods N Relics members, who moved our heavy carts and books to and from the sales areas. Thank You.

The Lincoln Public Library’s Family Art Night was a rousing success with over 500 attendees. The event had something for everyone from the young to the old — face painting, caricature artist, hands-on art projects, cello music, tiny art show, local art display, and a pizza dinner. FOLL provided the funds for the event and many FOLL members volunteered their time. This event was such a success that the Library staff may make Family Art Night an annual event.

Linda Derosier, FOLL Community Outreach Director, and her team of FOLL volunteers were about the town all summer talking to community members about the Lincoln Public Library. The summer started with Movie Under the Starts at Twelve Bridges Elementary and June’s Summer Concert in the Plaza. Then, FOLL sponsored a between innings race with mascot Piper at a July Potters Game and, in August, had booths at National Night Out in McBean Park and Lincoln Airport Open House & Family Festival. And lets not forget hosting a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce NetMixer, participating in Lincoln Hills Foundation’s Bingo events, and library tours. Visit our website’s Community Outreach page to learn where FOLL will be next. [Pictured left to right: Marilyn Kupcho, Dawna Hawksworth, Linda Derosier and Linda Morley]

On July 28, several FOLL members were at McBeam Park for the Potter’s baseball game and to watch kids participating in the between-innings race between the Lincoln Potters Mascot, Piper the Peacock, and some speedy kids. The prizes that the winner took home included a FOLL blue book bag with all kinds of goodies.

FOLL volunteers braved the heat and contributed to the success of this year’s Back To School event held on July 22 in Beermann Plaza. All enjoyed raffles, free cookies and fun! The FOLL booth had lots of visitors and the youngsters were thrilled to play Plinko. Over $1,100 in gift cards and enough school supplies to fill two vehicles were collected on the day. [Pictured: Volunteers Marti Loew, Dawna Hawksworth and Whitney Eklund]

Thank you to all who came to the BIG Book Sale on June 10 and supported the Lincoln Public Library and the Friends with their purchases of books, audiobooks, DVDs and music CDs. The sale raised $2,450 — double our targeted goal of $1,200. And a special thanks to the many volunteers who helped with the book sale and those who processed donated items and stocked the Secondhand Prose Book Shop throughout the year. And, thank you to our community who generously donate their gently-used items to the Friends. Keep those donations coming! Next BIG Book Sale is November 4.