Monday - Friday | 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | 1-5 p.m.
Friends of the Library
The purpose of this organization will be to maintain an association of persons interested in libraries; to focus attention on the library; to stimulate the use of the library’s resources and services; to receive and encourage gifts, endowments and bequests to the library; to support and cooperate with the library in developing library services and facilities for the community; to lend legislative support where needed; to function on behalf of the library but not as the library; and to support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights.
Donations
Donations can be taken directly to 618 Mechanic Street during volunteer hours:
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Thursdays, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Donations may be given to staff in the library at the circulation desk or dropped off at the back door if no Friends volunteers are available. Please call ahead; do not leave donations outside.
Accepted:
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Books
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Records
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CDs
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DVDs
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Magazines
Not Accepted:
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National Geographic magazines
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Encyclopedias
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VHS tapes
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Textbooks
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Moldy items
Book Sales
The next book sale will be April 10-14. Want to know when the next book sale is on the books? Sign up for our e-newsletter or check our calendar!
Membership
The Friends raise money through book sales, donations, and membership dues. Some members volunteer to assist with library programs throughout the year.
Your Friends of the Library dues may now be paid using PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account. Just click on the buttons below for your desired level of membership. You will be directed to the secure PayPal website. Follow the instructions to pay for your membership quickly and easily.
*An application for membership may be obtained at the library as well.
Volunteers
Friends of the Library member volunteer opportunities include: serving on the board, helping on a specialized committee (communications, Match Day, grant writing), sorting and pricing materials, and helping at library events.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends of the Library, please contact dadschwinn@gmail.com.
Friends Board
The Friends of the Library Board currently meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Please call 620-340-6462 or email emp_fol@yahoo.com for more information. Friends members and the public are welcome!
Friends Board Positions
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Ellen Klotz, President
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Sandy Weeks, Vice President
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Becky Sellers, Secretary
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Jan Ralston, Treasurer
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Kathleen Dalton & Ellen Klotz, Book Sorter
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Jessica Hopkins/Jan Ralston, Liaison to the Emporia Public Library Board
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Heather Caswell, Emporia Public Library Board Liaison
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Pauline Stacchini, Library Executive Director
Friends of the Library Bylaws (amended January 2025)
Super Friends
This award is presented annually to a person or group that has supported the library. The award honors service through exceptional leadership, financial support, volunteerism, research, or other contributions. Recipients receive a Lifetime membership in the Friends of the Library.
2025 Harvey Foyle
2024 Gene Graber
2023 Ruth Gutierrez
2022 Sharon and Harry Stephens
2021 Becky and Ron Sellers and Judy Wild for going above and beyond in working for the Friends of the Library during
the past COVID year, including the gigantic task of moving the book sales to the new building
2020 Mark McAnarney
2019 KVOE
2018 Elaine Bentz
2017 Sandy Chapman
2016 Dee Schwinn for continuous energy and volunteerism for Friends initiatives
2015 Jeanne Cranz for unending help with book sales and Friends needs
2014 Deb Burns-Heinitz & Mar Jean Anderson for yard signs, delivering books, incredible volunteering, etc.
2013 Ed Rathke for ongoing help with building/grounds and support
2012 Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity for financial gifts and help moving books for sales
2011 Greg Larson for volunteer work on Internet book sales
2010 Jan Laurent for leadership, financial support, and more
2009 Carmaine Ternes for work to improve teen services
2008 George Osborn & Langley Charitable Trust for financial gifts and support
2007 Ann Coulson & Nancy Hargett for volunteering service and energy to Friends of the Library
2006 Book Sorters for untiring sorting and pricing. Nine people were presented awards: Gae Barnes, Judy
Dodson, Edna Glaser, Barbara Holscher, Sharon Ikerd, Virginia Loper, Nancy McKinzie, Joan Mouse, and
Cindy Pastor
2005 Mary Unruh for book sorting supervision
2004 Flint Hills Genealogical Society for financial gifts and volunteer work
2003 Nadine Terry & Earl Williams for Rites of Passage youth program
2002 Betty Tholen for helping start the Friends group in the 1970s
2001 Ellie Hazelrigg for volunteer work for Homebound Program, trustee, role, donations, etc.
2000 Betty Boylan for financial donations
1999 Bob and Lois Hodge for local history and genealogy work and donations
1998 Barbara Gerriets for book sorting and book sale coordination