The Friends of Ridgewood Library (FORL), a chapter of the Friends of Queens Public Library, received an award from the New York Library Association (NYLA) on Oct. 23 in honor of the years of its volunteer work for the “growth and improvement” of the community library.
For over 30 years, the Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award is given out annually by the Friends of Libraries Section of the NYLA to recognize the volunteers whose work includes fundraising, sponsoring arts programs for kids, and even teaching computer classes.
“Friends of Ridgewood Library have done an outstanding job of building community, working closely with our staff to deliver services, programs and resources that respond to the needs of people living in the neighborhood and beyond,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are thrilled they have received this well-deserved honor, and we are deeply grateful to the Ridgewood staff and our wider Friends network for ensuring their success.”
Located at 20-12 Madison St, the library, a brick building with a garden and cast iron fence built in 1929, has been a staple in the Ridgewood community for almost 100 years now.
The Ridgewood chapter came later, formed in 1998, is composed of local “library enthusiasts,” all of whom are volunteers. Among the organization’s various accomplishments in community programming and service, it successfully raised $40,000 to enhance the library’s collection by adding a wider range of genres that promote diversity.
Assistant Branch Manager Alana Coulum started working there earlier this year, and had never worked in a library with a Friends chapter before. Coulum was surprised by the work they did when she first arrived. Since she wasn’t there last year, Coulum is most looking forward to FORL’s Friends-giving dinner on Nov. 20, which features catering and homemade meals for anyone hungry or in need of company during the holiday season. According to Coulum, the response from the community was great, and both the library and FORL hope to be able to do it every year.
“They do such great work for us and our community and it’s been a pleasure to work with them,” Column said. “It’s another way to get people involved with the library, especially people who want to give back.”
The Queens Public Library is a non-profit that stretches to almost every single neighborhood in Queens and offers over 5 million books and materials in 50 different languages as part of its dedication to serving every member: and all for free. A library card is available to any who live, work, go to school, or own property in New York State, just find your nearest location to sign-up in person or visit the website.
“We are thankful to Queens Public Library for nominating us, and for its continued support and encouragement of the Friends of Ridgewood Library,” said FORL President Michaeline Von Drathen. “We could not do what we do without the support of QPL and the amazing librarians and staff at Ridgewood Library. We are forever thankful.”
