NORTH WALES – Beginning with a beef-and-beer event in August, the Friends of the North Wales Area Library is hoping to increase its community profile. The organization – made up of six members of the board of directors – is also looking for new volunteers, specifically someone qualified to help write grant proposals, according to President John Lopuszanski. ‘We need new blood,’ he said. ‘The goal is help the library succeed in its future.’ The group – which raises money to help the library at 233 S. Swartley St. continue to operate – has plans to create more interaction with the public, according to Lopuszanski. He said several new fundraisers – including an indoor miniature golfing event inside the library during the winter, a trip to a minor league baseball game, an annual spaghetti dinner, seasonal parties for children, an indoor flea market and a car wash – are being considered. ‘We’d like to take this group in a more social direction,’ Lopuszanski said. Traditionally, the friends group raises between $5,000 and $6,000 during a silent auction at the library’s annual gala, according to Lopuszanski. He said the group occasionally purchases special items for the library. The Friends of the North Wales Area Library has been a key financial contributor for several years, according to Jayne Blackledge, the library’s executive director. Blackledge said the group purchased a large sign identifying the library when it was still located at North Wales Elementary School. Previously, the group has purchased several items for the library not included on its budget, including magazine racks, according to Blackledge. She said it has also supported many family programs. ‘The group has done a lot throughout the years to help us,’ Blackledge said. ‘It has been very supportive.’ Helping to offset the library’s $800,000 mortgage and contribute to the cost of its monthly electric bill, which totals between $800 and $900, is the main priority, according to Lopuszanski. He said eliminating the mortgage and having continuing funds flowing to the library is crucial to making sure it survives. ‘People think the library is run by a government institution,’ Lopuszanski said. ‘That’s a big misconception. It’s a nonprofit organization.’ Money raised at the beef and beer – scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Upper Gwynedd Fire Company at 660 Garfield Ave. in the West Point section of the township – will be used to purchase a storage shed that will be placed near the library, according to Lopuszanski. He said tickets will cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door. ‘We’re hoping for at least 100 people,’ Lopuszanski said. For more information on the Friends of the North Wales Area Library contact Lopuszanski at 215-500-2827. Follow Bradley Schlegel on Twitter @BSchlegel1027.For breaking news SMS alerts from The Reporter, text LANNEWS to 22700 from your mobile phone. Msg & data rates may apply. For help, text HELP. To cancel, text STOP. Privacy policy – journalregister.com/privacy.
