Formed in 1995, the Friends of Shelby Area District Library have been supporting the library with activities and fundraisers that have helped make the Shelby Library a truly treasured asset to the community. This year the Friends decided to throw a party to applaud and celebrate the many volunteers who have helped out over the last 30 years. After sending out invitations, hiring a caterer and finding just the right live music to enhance their Garden Party theme, the Friends of SADL were pleased to welcome over 60 guests to the Shelby Library grounds on August 2.
“We couldn’t have wished for better weather to hold our 30th Anniversary Garden Party to be held outside with the gorgeous library garden in the background,” said Friends of SADL President Cindy McKinnon. “Local artist Mariah Vandersluys displayed six lovely flower-themed paintings that seemed to mirror the flowers blooming that day.
“Volunteers erected a large tent and two banners, arranged flowers brought in from their own gardens, created two displays showcasing the many events sponsored by the Friends, moved chairs and tables with bright coverings, helped Vandersluys place her artwork on easels that were staked to the ground and ran an electric cord from the library to the gazebo for the musicians. It was all hands on deck!”
Guests munched on a delicious spread prepared by caterer Joanne Clark while listening to local musicians Becky and Steve Lawwill, who humorously named themselves “The Duo Decibel System” for the day! Their music included soft jazz vocals and, of course, “Garden Party” by Ricky Nelson!
McKinnon took the microphone to thank the Friends of SADL Board and other volunteers who helped plan the party. She acknowledged the many past and present Friends who gathered to celebrate years of volunteering to help the library. McKinnon was joined by Mary Ellen Heyde and Library Board President Amanda Mazur, who then surprised Library Director Tiffany Haight with praise for her 25 years of service.
They presented tokens of appreciation to Haight for her dedication and hard work to make the Shelby Library special. Looking on in the crowd were Haight’s husband, children and parents, who hugged her afterwards. McKinnon spoke to Tiffany’s mom and learned that as a child, Tiffany surrounded herself with stacks of books. Her mom shared, “When Tiffany was first offered the position of head librarian, she was thrilled to get her dream job!”
The Friends of SADL are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) group of volunteers, organized for the development of the Shelby Area District Library, bringing people together to raise funds to support the purchase of materials and services for the Library. They meet quarterly and welcome new members to join at any time, dues free. More information about becoming a Friend of the Library can be obtained by contacting McKinnon at friendsofshelbyareadistrlib@gmail.com or by calling the Shelby Library at 231-861-4565. Their next fundraiser is the Good Buy Used Book Sale Aug. 23. Volunteers who wish to help can sign up at the front desk.
