Click Here - Friends Newsletter

Circulation Desk Donation Drive (Oct. 1 - Dec. 15, 2007) -  Click Here for Donation letter/Form

Yankton Community Library - Friends of the Library

The purpose of this website is to provide background information about the Friends of the Library.  Tell you who the Friends are, what they do and how they do it as well as to keep you informed concerning upcoming events, book sales, meetings and other Library happenings.

Who We Are -  The Yankton Community Library Friends of the Library (YCLFOL) are a group of socially active and civic-minded people who have banded together to support the local public library through various activities and volunteerism.  The group started around 1992 but really got going in 1994 with about 90 members, 25 of whom were very active.  The group is an official 501 c3 non-profit organization in the state of South Dakota and is currently involved in reorganizing the board as well as focused on a membership drive.  The Friends group is a member of the American Library Association's subgroup - The Friends of the Library  USA. The purpose of the Friends is to provide 'value-added' volunteer services and collections for the Yankton Community Library.  These services and collections are only limited by the innovation and creativity of the members but have included materials security stripping, government documents shelving, homebound book delivery, the monthly book sale and the Leased Book collection.  The Friends also have FUN! - they travel to other libraries to met other Friends groups, they take museum tours and go to the South Dakota Festival of the Book or just have parties.   The Friends specialize in doing short terms projects so that they can see the fruits of their labor grow and prosper.  Once or twice per year, the Library Director provides a list of needed items and projects from which the Friends can select or prioritize as projects for the coming year.

The Board -

What We Do -   Current projects include the on-going monthly book sale which is held on the first Saturday of every month from 10am - 1pm in the Yankton Community Library garage.  All books sold are generously donated from the public.  Deassessed books from the library are discarded/sold in a different manner.  Other projects and services are only limited by the innovative desire and creativity of the membership - the sky is the limit!!

Why We Do It -  Friends support the library because it is a valuable institution to them and their families.  The library is a one-stop information source, bringing people and knowledge together.  The library provides books and other reading, viewing and listening materials as well as valuable services including literacy and math tutoring,  children's storytimes, adult programming, book talks, reading programs, extension book services for disabled persons, and the summer reading program for children.  The library is an integral part of the fabric of the local community and, although supported by out tax-base, it needs more funds to serve the community well.  Volunteers are an important part of that equation.  

How You Can Help -  You can help by becoming a Friends member or volunteer.  Annual membership: $5 per person, $8 per family.  Your annual membership fee entitles you to discounts at the monthly book sales, an e-mailed quarterly newsletter and special ''invitation only' party/social events

What We've Done - Since 1994, the Friends have provided the following services and collections:

Purchased 2 public PCs with DVD burning capabilities, purchased a 4 PC workstation for public use, purchased wire racks for video and DVD shelving and display, started the McNaughton best-seller leased books program, purchased a FAX machine for public use, purchased a DVD/VHS recorder and player and 26 in. television for public use, ‘Art with Sole’ children’s program, Landmark leased unabridged audio books, funding for staff to attend the SDLA in-service and Festival of the Book, purchase of the Children’s toy cabinet, $500 toward plastic library cards, Rabbit Ears video set, cordless telephone for staff use, bulletin board frames, various reference books, Yankton school library donation (quarterly $100).

What we need and have planned - Need new bathroom remodel (scheduled for FY2009). Estimate about $45,000.  City will put up $25-30K; Need new carpeting -  FY2007 $15,000 for children’s area.  Would like to do entire library in stages (carpet squares) - estimate $45,000+; the Library is running out of room - we have plans for space-saving (show) but we really need a new library in a new location.  What cost - depends on where, cost of land+building, need parking, good access for cars/walking, at least 40,000 sq. feet; New drapes for meeting room, director’s office; Window in technical services; a new library building or expansion of old facility.

Getting Involved -  Click Here for brochure and Membership information.

Picture Gallery -  See members of our group in action, working, having fun and benefiting the library and the community.

Newsletter - (under construction)

© 2007, Yankton Community Library.  Webmaster: Jim Scholtz. Last updated 6/5/2007.