Page 8 — Welcome to Winters 2021
What is WFoL? By Lisa Nalbome Special to the Express
The Winters Friends of the Library (WFoL) is an all volunteer organization who care about the library and providing lifelong learning opportunities for the Winters community. They work to promote literacy, foster a love of reading, enhance the cultural life of the community and encourage involvement in the library and its programs. This includes funding library programs like family story time; Tales for Tails, where children ages 4-12 are invited to read to a therapy dog; English language courses; monthly themed programming and more. These programs are free for the public to attend and there’s no registration required. A listing of library events can be found online at https://yolocountylibrary. org/locations/winters/. WFoL also provides funding to offer free internet and wi-fi at the Winters library. Library patrons are able to take online classes, check email, apply to jobs and work on their resume at no cost. Their funding also helps support the library to keep its technology updated, provide new books and library materials and upkeep library facilities. Beyond the library WFoL events include author talks and workshops, free summer concerts every July, the Family Holiday Festival in December, book giveaways and the Winters Shakespeare Workshop teen acting camp. They also provide free books through multiple Free Little Libraries posted around Winters and a Books for Babies box for new babies in the Winters community. In 2018 over
“Our WFoL members are the best volunteers and the group is a strong advocate for the Winters Community. I am always proud to say I belong to the Winters Friends of the Library.” Linn Myer, WFoL member and volunteer 800 Winters newborns had received Books for Babies boxes and the number of families served continues to grow each year. “The Winters Friends of the Library provides generous, invaluable and direct support to reach our community and better their lives through educational enrichment, literacy programs and books and other materials each year,” said Patty Wong, a former Yolo County Librarian. Donations of gently used books come from the community and dedicated volunteers power through sorting them for WFoL book sales. Anyone can purchase books online WFoL Friends Amazon Bookstore, at the Ida B. Wallace Book Sale Room at the Winters Library and at events featuring Mrs. Gildart’s Bookcart. Proceeds from book sales help fund WFoL literacy programs. Their Summer Concerts at the Gazebo each Thursday in July brings free, concerts to the community.
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Winters Friends of the Library hosts free outdoor Thursday evening concerts, during the monty of July. WFoL has hosted 80 concerts featuring more than 60 different bands since 1998. They host local and visiting groups play a wide variety of musical styles to bring cultural opportunities to the Winters community. WFoL has hosted 80 concerts featuring more than 60 different bands since 1998. Community members bring a blanket or lawn chair tof enjoy the music and dance the night away. WFoL also has a membership program that includes $5 in free books from our library site bookstore and early entry to the annual WFoL tree sale. With a donation of $50 or more WFoL membership perks provides discounts from local Winters businesses who are part of their community partners program. “Our WFoL members are the best volunteers and the group is a strong advocate
There are volunteer opportunities available for all skill sets and talents. Whether someone has a lot of time or just a little, have professional skills or are willing to learn, WFoL has ways for everyone to make a difference. for the Winters Community. I am always proud to say I belong to the Winters Friends of the Library,” said WFoL member and volunteer Linn Myer.
There are volunteer opportunities available for all skill sets and talents. Whether someone has a lot of time or just a little, have professional skills or are willing to learn, WFoL has ways for everyone to make a difference. WFoL volunteers meet new friends, learn new skills, and make the library and community stronger. Anyone interested in volunteering with WFoL should start by filling out a Volunteer Application online at https://wfol.org/ volunteer/. WFoL’s Board meets monthly on the first Monday at 7 p.m. at the Winters Community Library. Find a list of WFoL events dates or learn more about the nonprofit’s programs and impact on the community at https://wfol.org/.
