JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Marion County Mayor David Jackson has officially signed a proclamation that recognizes Oct. 19 through Oct. 25 as National Friends of Libraries Week within the county.
National Friends of Libraries Week is an annual celebration initiated by United for Libraries, a national network dedicated to raising support and awareness of all libraries in the country. Marion County’s Friends of the Library organization has recently aimed to make the celebration recognized within the county as a way to not only promote memberships, but also to bring awareness towards the organization’s efforts into supporting and spreading appreciation for the county’s three libraries.
Christine Van Hamersveld of Friends of the Library explained how she was responsible for establishing the proclamation. She created it to help further solidify the organization’s works within the community and highlight the week each year as a time of celebration for the program’s mission.
Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2024, where all of its members continue to provide awareness and advocacy for the Beene Pearson, Carolyn Stewart, and Orena Humphreys Public Libraries. With the proclamation signed, National Friends of Libraries Week will now be recognized in Marion County for years to come.
To become a member of Friends of the Library, email infor@friendsmclibraries.org or visit one of the three libraries to receive a membership form.