The Friends of the Princeton Public Library is a volunteer organization of library supporters responsible both for funding many special projects throughout the year as well as supplementing the library’s annual budget with collection, material and infrastructure infusions. The Friends meet several times a year in order to design and implement the multiple annual Book Sales, and guest Speaker Programs. They also provide vital help to the Princeton Public Library staff through a variety of other ways; we continue to be very appreciative of their efforts!
Princeton Public Library would like to thank the Friends of the Princeton Public Library for covering the cost to repair a worn piece of furniture in Youth Services. General wear and tear has led to the need to replace fabric on a love seat. Upon learning of this unexpected expense, the group decided to step in to assist the library at their quarterly July 31st meeting. The library appreciates the hard work the friends do in order to stretch the library’s tax-based budget and ensure a comfortable environment. Shown in the photo are Jan English of the Friends and Gary Marini of Ladd Upholstery, showing off the newly-reupholstered love seat.
The Betty Pretzch Memorial Volunteer Award is given to a 5 year member of the Friends of Princeton Public Library organization who has demonstrated his/her interest in the goals of the Friends group by volunteering at the Library and supporting the work of the Friends. Betty Pretzsch was a past member and served as secretary on the Friends Board. She also volunteered countless hours in support of Friends activities. 2014 was the first year this award was given.
The Friends of the Princeton Public Library has recognized Mary Ann Smith as the Betty Pretzsch Memorial Volunteer of the Year for 2023. She has been a member of Friends of the Library since 2013 and has been an active volunteer since joining the organization. She volunteers weekly as an assistant to the library staff. Her duties include shelving books, filling the book requests for patrons and more. Smith has also consistently volunteered in the book sale room since 2014.
The Friends applaud all literacy efforts, such as:
- Each purchase from the Out of Print clothing website helps to fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need. It also supports the authors, publishers and artists who made these iconic works an integral part of our lives.
- Babies Need Words Every Day is a resource available thanks to the Association for Library Service to Children. The shareable materials on the website are free of charge and are designed to help parents build their children’s literacy skills.
If you would like to become a member of the Friends of the Library, please download the letter and membership form below and and complete and return the form to the following address:
Friends of the Library
c/o Princeton Public Library
698 East Peru St.
Princeton IL 61356
princetonpl.org 