By JEN BOUTIN

BCPL

The Friends of the Library (FOTL) is a volunteer auxiliary support group for the Boyle County Public Library. They host numerous programs and film series throughout the year. Past films have included comedies, musicals and westerns.

This year thus far, FOTL programs have featured a Chautauqua performance and a talk about the Underground Railroad in Kentucky. The spring program series will continue on Monday, at 7 p.m. with Amazing Creatures of the Galapagos Islands, presented by Katie Bright and Dan Moran who visited the archipelago of volcanic islands in 2018.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and swimming iguanas. Bright and Moran will share photos of the amazing animals they saw while they talk about some of the experiences they had on their trip.

All FOTL programs are free and open for anyone to attend. An interpreter for the deaf is available upon request by contacting the library 48-hours in advance of the program.

In addition to their own programs, the Friends of the Library host two large book sales each year, which help fund many special events at the library.

“We love our Friends!” says Georgia de Araujo, library director. “We couldn’t ask for a more hard-working and dedicated group of volunteers. People in Danville and Boyle County have a long-standing commitment to the work the library does for our community. The Friends of the Library demonstrates that support in contributions of both time and money.”

The library offers numerous programs and events throughout the year for patrons of all ages, including a robust Summer Reading Program. One of the reasons the library is able to offer such high quality programs is because of the generous support from the Friends of the Library.

“I think it is especially notable that the largest expenditure of Friends’ contributions is in support of our Summer Reading and Summer Outreach programs for children,” says de Araujo. “That’s a strong statement about the dedication the Friends have to serving the long-term needs of Boyle County.”

Anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Library may pick up a membership form at the library. Individual memberships are available. Members receive a copy of The Bookmark, a newsletter that is published three times a year and highlights upcoming programming and events.