Best of Friends Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter
Fall 2011
Durham County Library Patrons Benefit from Friends, Foundation and Staff Collaboration
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wice each year, the Friends solicit grant proposals from staff, and, after a rigorous vetting process, the organization funds selected projects. Over the past two proposal cycles, Durham Library Foundation has partnered with the Friends to fund some of the proposals as well. As a result, more than $56,000 was granted to the library to fund 16 exciting and inventive projects proposed by staff this past spring. Here is a sample of the programs and services that will be created, expanded or improved thanks to the Friends and Foundation. The library’s DVD and books on CDs for young listeners collections will be augmented. East Regional Library will receive funding for “Durham Voices,” a writing program for adults; a “Creative Art Park” for children; and an interactive, intergenerational acting program. Teens will be happy to learn that the library is upgrading its video game capabilities throughout the system. The Main Library will be getting an updated look on the first floor with displays for new books and CDs in a “Marketplace Makeover,” and teens at Main will be able to take part in a writing group. At Stanford L. Warren the Selena Warren Wheeler Collection received funding for an expert analysis, which will result in a report to the library that includes recommendations about conservation and long-term collection development. Continued on page 2. The Durham Civil Rights Heritage Project banners were displayed at GlaxoSmithKline this spring. The banners were paid for by the Friends. Their transport is funded by the Foundation.