Friends of the Library meeting Report

Elise Elliott, daughter of Cristy and Joel Elliott, was selected as the Salt Festival pageant duchess for the Friends of the Grand Saline Public Library. The choice was confirmed at the annual general meeting of the Friends held January 30.

​President Catrennia Williamson reported that the Friends organization has been approved as a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing all donations to be claimed as tax deductions by donors.

​A financial report was made to those attending, listing expenditures made during the past year and showing planned expenditures in the new year’s budget. Among those were an increase in funding for books and a new budget entry for community programs and events.

​Librarian Brandi Collard-Simpson declined to make a report on past or future activity at the library.

​Members voted to maintain Friends dues at the same level with a family membership costing $25 and a business membership at $50. There are currently 68 paid memberships and Williamson said she hoped that would increase in the annual membership drive set to get underway shortly.

​Williamson also reminded members that a $1000 senior scholarship had been presented last year for the first time in a great while. Members voted to increase that amount to $2000 to provide for two scholarships. Friends vice president Yvonne Trent will again chair the committee selecting the recipients. Committee members include Debbie Zajac, Martha Berry and Blair Currey.

​An amendment to the by-laws was approved, preventing Friends executive board members from serving on the City of Grand Saline Public Library Board in order to avoid any future conflicts of interest.

​Nominating Committee chairman Blair Currey presented a slate of officers for the coming year. The nominations were approved and Williamson and Yvonne Trent will continue as president and vice president; Eva Johnson-Carnes will serve as treasurer and Jan Adamson was selected as secretary.

​An assortment of fundraiser ideas was discussed and plans for community engagement will be explored throughout the year.

​Additional information about Friends of the Library is available on the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Need a blind date for Valentine’s Day? The Grand Saline Friends of the Library have you covered!

​Just visit the library through Valentine’s Day and select one of the books wrapped in brown kraft paper. You won’t know what it is but we’ll give you some clues. Take one, keep and enjoy!

​It’s a gift to you from the Grand Saline Friends of the Library!

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