In January of 1976, a much smaller version of our Cromaine Library bustled with patrons of all ages. The sounds of storytimes, programs, and book clubs echoed through the halls, and Rachel the Library cat wandered the stacks. Although the Library had regular patrons and supporters, there was no formal group dedicated to assisting the Library through outreach, fundraising, and volunteering.
Inspired by other local libraries, a small group of Cromaine patrons contacted the then-Director, Sandy Scherba, with an interest in forming a Friends of Cromaine group. In April of 1976, the Friends Group elected their first officers; President Sally Farabee, Vice President and Treasurer Judy Dunn, Secretary Rita Vadasz, and Director Jackie Collins. Just a few months later– by May of 1976– the Friends of Cromaine was hosting its very first Used Book Sale! Hardcovers were sold for 25 cents, and paperbacks for ten cents. These gently used books found new homes with community members all over Hartland, and benefits from the sale went towards Library projects and materials.
Many fundraisers, activities, and book sales have followed over the years. The Friends of Cromaine have supported the library that they care for so deeply with Book Sales in the third floor Community Room, at the Hartland Farmer’s Market, and on the Library’s South Lawn during Summer Concerts! They have also generously dedicated their time and efforts to fundraising through annual geranium sales, a puppet sale, photocopier services in the Library, and special programs. They even hosted spectacular Christmas in July Sales on the South Lawn in 2010 and 2011, offering both new and used Holiday decor and trinkets, books, and a bake sale to interested customers. As with their Book Sales, this Holiday Sale benefitted Library projects. They have also sponsored a chamber concert, assisted the Stagecoach Inn Quester in their annual Hobby Show, purchased equipment, and volunteered directly with the Library.
The Friends of Cromaine Library continue to be a pillar of our Library and our community. You may see a member of the Friends carefully reshelving the books on the beautiful Book Nook on the first floor, keeping the materials rotating regularly. Or, maybe you’ve bought a delicious pie from the Friends the morning before Thanksgiving, during their annual Pie Sale in the Library.
You may also meet a Friend of the Library at one of their regular Used Book and Bake Sales in the Community Room, where they fill every available space in the room with gently used books– from cookbooks to history, biographies and memoir, gardening guides, and your favorite fiction genres like mysteries, thrillers, romance, and more. Every Used Book Sale is a little different, and you’re sure to find something wonderful at each and every one– and that’s thanks to our Friends.
Are you interested in making a positive impact on your community? Consider joining the Friends of Cromaine! With plenty of projects and Book Sales throughout the year, there are many opportunities to help. The dedication and hard work of the Friends contributes to some of Cromaine’s most important community initiatives, such as Cromaine’s annual Summer Concert Series, the Summer Reading Challenge, the seed library on the first floor, toys and sensory activities for the Youth department, our annual Teen Scholarship, and more!
The generosity of the Friends of Cromaine brings Hartland residents together. Make new friends and find a sense of community in the Friends of Cromaine Library! You can learn more about the Friends of Cromaine, and see the Membership form, here. A one-year individual membership costs fifteen dollars, and membership forms with a check payment can be dropped off at Cromaine’s Circulation desk.
We hope to see you at the Library soon. Please ask a staff member if you have any questions about the Friends of Cromaine and how you can be a part of it– we are always happy to help!
Sources Cited:
Hartland: Weaving the Past with the Present. (2004). Page 364. Cromaine Library: Library Benefactors.
Also to Hartland Memories and Milestones. (1986). Page 207. Cromaine Library.
Friends of Cromaine Friend-ly Gathering
Attend a Friends' meeting, and learn what the group is working on-- and how you can help! The next Friend-ly Gathering takes place in the third floor Community Room on Wednesday, April 15 @ 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there!