Submitted by: Whatcom County Library System
Each year, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) honors one local Friends of the Library group or individual with an award for Outstanding Service. This year the award was presented to the Friends of the Lynden Library (FOLL) for their work to support the Lynden Library throughout 2016.
Lynden Library Branch Manager Dianne Marrs-Smith, nominated the Lynden Friends for the award. “Our Friends group works every day to keep 2nd Hand Prose Book Store fully stocked and looking attractive for our patrons,” said Marrs-Smith. “This year, the Friends made roughly $15,000.00 between their in-library book store and book sale events.”
In her nomination, Marrs-Smith praised Friends President, June Hahn, and members Leslie Williams, Connie Orfanos and Nancy Rourke for their dedication, generous support and hard work. The money FOLL raised was used for special library programs and for landscaping around the building. “We will also make a few upgrades to our workspace this year with the Friends assistance,” said Marrs-Smith.
The Lynden Friends have purchased and will install a Little Free Library in honor of Serena and Bob Haugen. Serena and Bob were presented with the 2007 WCLS Outstanding Friends Award in its inaugural year in honor of their long-time volunteering and outstanding service as Friends’ Book Sale caretakers.
WCLS Deputy Director Michael Cox presented the Friends with the engraved “Traveling Plaque” to be displayed for the next year at the Lynden Library. “Our Friends groups are our biggest advocates,” said Cox. We thank the Lynden Friends for their hard work and dedication.”
Congratulations go to all the nominees for the Outstanding Friends Service Award: the Friends of the Deming Library, Friends of the North Fork Community Library member Susan Lafferty, and the Friends of the Point Roberts Library.