Friends of the Deltaville Library
Friends of the Deltaville Library: 35 Years Strong
History
In 1986, a group of concerned citizens got together to support and promote the Deltaville Library. Their main concern was the library budget was not sufficient to meet the yearly needs of the
library. In order to meet those needs, the Friends of the Deltaville Library was formed. They began their efforts by soliciting members, holding events to earn funds and provided the community with many outstanding programs to gain interest in the Friends and the library. Through the years, the Friends gifted many of the library’s operating needs that we take for granted, such as: shelving, magazine racks, library furniture, carpeting, computers, printers, and software (upgrades). The kitchen was made complete with a refrigerator and coffee pot. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms were also gifted. Programs were presented, including guest speakers that covered topics concerning the county and beyond. Bill Dunn, a Greenpeace worker; U.S. Diplomat John C.T. Alexander; Piankatank & Other Tributaries of the Chesapeake; poetry readings; tag sales; the City Slickers Barbershop Quartet; and an art seminar presented by the owners of the Trillium Gallery in Urbanna, are to name a few.
U.S. Diplomat John C.T. Alexander, a guest speaker sponsored by the Friends of the Deltaville Library.
Story time sponsored by the Friends of the Deltaville Library.
The new used bookstore opened in the library on December 1, 1992 with Raynell Smith at the helm. Members of the Friends got a discount of 10% on all purchases. The shop offered an extensive collection of books as well as posters, art prints, children’s books, educational games and toys, calendars, Christmas cards and local crafts. In addition to helping the library, another goal was to promote local artists and craftsmen. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Friends, there are three albums that are located in the Used Book Room.
The Friends have participated in many Deltaville activities over the years.
Friends of the Deltaville Library float.
Today
Paving of the Deltaville Branch parking lot.
Today’s Friends board:
Melissa MacKimm, President; Pat Anderson, Vice-President and Publicity; Susan Roberts, Treasurer; Missy MacKimm, Secretary; Elizabeth Coughter, Secretary; Margaret Montgomery, Sue Beukenkamp, and Judy Baumgartner, members at large. We hope to keep the past traditions of the annual Bake sale, the Children’s Carnival, and Book Sale on-going and fund additional ways to support the Deltaville Branch.
Recently, the Deltatville Branch saw some major improvements. At long last, the parking lot was expanded and paved with help from the Friends in the amount of $5000. A major “refresh-facelift” in 2018 brought the library new lighting, ceiling tiles and a newly painted interior with $3700 provided by the Friends. These projects required books and shelving to be taken down, moved off site and returned to the library in a short period of time, a major task that was accomplished with help from the Friends along with other volunteers. Without the support of the Friends and volunteers from the community, this would not be possible.
We always need “FRIENDS”. Please consider joining the Friends.
Membership is $ 25 per year for families, $ 10 for a single, or a donation (amount at your
discretion). You can pick up a Friends brochure with a membership form at the Deltaville Branch’s front desk. You can mail it to P. O. Box 654, Deltaville, VA 23043 or leave at the desk for the Friends board members.
