In Support of the Norfolk Library

By Leila Javitch

Many people in town probably don’t know who the Library Associates are, or what role they play at the Norfolk Library. Simply put, the Library Associates is a group of volunteers whose goal is to support the work of the library, primarily by sponsoring free programs and by fund-raising for the library. Although they work closely together, the Norfolk Library and the Library Associates are separate entities, each a 501(c)(3).

Many of the programs and events we enjoy at the library are funded by the efforts of the Library Associates. Examples include the literary programs (lectures, book discussions and authors’ talks); the monthly art exhibitions, with opening receptions hosted by the associates; and different film series, such as documentaries or classic films.

Programs for children include an eight-week summer reading program directed by Eileen Fitzgibbons, lectures with live animals and birds, and all kinds of performances from puppets to juggling. There are also many musical performances a year: classical and voice recitals, jazz and folk music. Irish bands have been coming annually for at least 20 years.

It was the desire for more music that led to the establishment of the associates in the first place. In 1973 long-term resident and musician Martha Walcott donated a grand piano to the library, which still stands in the Great Hall. The next year, Walcott and Tibby Robinson called together a group of 10 women, each of whom was assigned a special task in the mission of bringing cultural events to the library. Artist Ruthann Olsen, an original member of the associates, was put in charge of planning and hanging a monthly art exhibition. The first exhibition—a “smash hit,” according to Norfolk historian Cay Fields—was of photographs by Marie Kendall, whose work is currently, over 40 years later, on view at the Norfolk Historical Society.

In the 1980s, Eileen Fitzgibbons and Jude Mead initiated the monthly lecture series. The associates’ Events Committee is now in charge of planning these lectures. Funds raised by the associates’ activities are able to provide lecturers with an honorarium, a meal (often homemade) and lodging.

To support all these activities, the associates organize an array of fund-raising events. The biggest fund-raiser is the annual library book sale, which takes place at the end of August. Over 10,000 books are donated each year, all of which have to be sorted and cataloged and brought up from the library basement to be displayed on tables under a big tent. Associates and other friends of the library staff the tent for the two-day sale.

Another major fund-raiser is a live auction, usually held every other year or so. The theme for this year’s auction, which took place the night before the book sale, was “An Evening in the Tropics.” In non-auction years, the festive events vary. Last year there was a series of themed literary dinners prepared by associates and friends; one year the associates hosted a barn dance; another year “A Hidden Treasures Appraisal Evening” was a great success. A favorite for many was the beautiful patchwork quilt made by some of the Library Associates. Each patch pictured a Norfolk landmark, and the quilt was bought at the auction by a group of residents who donated it to the library and the Norfolk Historical Society.

The associates also raise money by selling library-oriented products such as caps, tote bags, mugs and tee shirts, and by charging a small commission on works sold at the art exhibitions.

The director of the Norfolk Library, Ann Havemeyer, says that “the library would not be what it is today without this group of dedicated volunteers. It is an active and vibrant group of men and women whose impact is everywhere evident at the library, from the art hanging in the Great Hall and the display cases in the Children’s Room to the cultural programs we offer throughout the year.”

The associates also enjoy the camaraderie of working together. As Tom Hlas, the new president of the Library Associates, says, “This is a fun group of people who get a lot done!” Another associate who feels the joy says, “The heartbeat of Norfolk happens in the library.”

The associates are always eager to accept new members. They usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month, but they have recently changed their meeting time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the hope that this will be more convenient for people who work. They also welcome summer residents.

Each associate is encouraged to do as little or as much as he or she likes. So come to a meeting, greet friends and neighbors and have fun while helping to support the library.

Photo,top, by Debbie Hennes: Turi Rostad’s painting show at the Norfolk Library, and the opening reception on Aug. 5, are just two of the many events the Library Associates organize for the library.