About the Friends
Our Mission
In the spirit of collaboration and service, the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library are committed to enhancing and enriching the Elk Rapids District Library.
Our History
The Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library began decades ago as a group of motivated volunteers committed to supporting the local library. The current organization is a product of the gentle evolution of those early individuals and their spirit of volunteerism.
In the early years, the “Friends” assumed many roles. When the library staff took over those responsibilities, that freed up the volunteers to focus on other needs. One of those needs was fundraising.
Fundraising has become one of the Friends’ main goals. Funds raised have helped support library events, provided technology upgrades, updated worn-out furniture, and even enhanced the property with the addition of “Grandpa’s Gift.”
Over the years, the Friends have hosted bake sales, tennis tournaments, author events, and jewelry sales to raise funds. After the library’s basement was updated, the Friends hosted their first used book sale, which has evolved into The Book Cellar—a year-round used book “sale” and primary fundraiser for the group.
In 2015, the volunteer group officially became Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
We are focused on and determined to do all we can to make the Elk Rapids District Library an asset to the communities we serve.
How your support makes an impact
Giving to the Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library helps the library grow and offers engagement opportunities in the local community in a variety of ways, including:
2010 – Technology upgrades and Director’s computer
2011 – Upgrades to lower-level work area
2012 – Library magnets, eBooks and extra books for the book club
2016 – Helped fund “Grandpa’s Gift” sculpture, Baffling Bill the Magician & Community Dinner
2017 – Early Literacy Computer, Holiday craft, storytelling, and song fest for kids
2018 – Blizzard of Books for Village Market Holiday Giving Tree
Annual Events:
Harbor Days Kids’ Program
Summer Reading Program
