Friends made exhibit work

The library staff, and in particular the Friends of the Library group, deserve high praise for their presentation of the Ben Franklin exhibit.

I'm a member of the library board of trustees, so I know how much work went into this exhibit.

The exhibit itself, frankly, was a little underwhelming. I'd been led to expect more than some exhibit panels, no matter how well done and informative they were.

But what made the exhibit great was the programming that went with it. If the national Franklin commission gave us less than we expected, the local librarians and the Friends of the Library gave us much, much more.

From the opening ceremonies, with the great Ben Franklin impersonator, to the rare armonica concert and the wonderful Colonial Days and the American Girl tea, the library did more programming in six weeks than most libraries do in a year.

And most of it was organized and funded by the Friends group, a small body of people who believe in libraries, books and the expansion of knowledge.

They did a magnificent job bringing it all together. Along with the city's librarians, they produced a series of programs that were truly enjoyable and informative.

If you missed any of those events, you missed a lot. They were well organized and fun.

I simply can't say enough good things about the Friends of the Library, which is headed by Laurice Bentz. They are a group of energetic people who have contributed greatly to the success of the library over the three years they've been in existence.

During the current public financing crisis, the little extras, in terms of both manpower and funds, that they have contributed to the library have been instrumental in helping our local library maintain its programs and presence in the community, when many libraries have had to cut back.

They're all smart people (yes, even you, Mike and Pete), who firmly believe in the value of literature and learning, which is what a library is all about.

They make their money, which goes to the library in many ways that positively impact the library's patrons, largely through their used book sales. They have one coming up on Air Force Appreciation Day, and we urge you to visit their booth and buy a few books from them. The money they raise will be well used.

It's a group that's easy to join and new members -- and their ideas -- are always welcome. Ask at the library or show up at one of their meetings, which are held the third Thursday of every month in the commons area of the library at 11 a.m.

It's one more way to get involved in your community, to make life better for all -- and it's a fun group.

They do good work, and the Franklin exhibit programs are just one example.

I congratulate all of them and offer my public thanks for all the great work that they do.

-- Kelly Everitt