Kankakee, IL – This week wraps up National Friends of the Library Week, a non-profit group of volunteers who advocate, implements programs, raises funds and supports their local library. The Friends of the Kankakee Public Library are very active in helping put on a variety of events and educational programs open to the community.

“This year we had presentations about Muhammad Ali, the Holocaust, and an appraiser of antiques and collectibles. Friends worked in our community by providing financial assistance for the Little Free Library in Small Memorial Park, a donation to support science kits for Youth Services, and we also purchased children’s books for Fortitude Community Outreach. We are eager to reach out to new members who also love books and reading,” said Carol Szynal, President of the Friends of the Kankakee Public Library.

The organization also contributes annually to help bring a notable children’s author to the Kankakee School District 111. This year, students received a visit from New York Times Bestselling author and poet, Kwame Alexander, earlier this month. In another effort to raise funds, Friends of the Kankakee Public Library have two book sales a year at the Strawberry Jazz Festival and the Fall Art Stroll. Proceeds from the sales are used to help pay for speakers, authors and resources for the Kankakee Public Library.

Members of the Friends of the Kankakee Public Library belong to other local organizations, such as the Community Arts Council, to represent their group and raise awareness for the library. Their goal is to educate, enrich, and empower the City of Kankakee, as well as, surrounding communities.

 

“The City of Kankakee is very fortunate to have the support of the Friends of the Library who advocate for our community and enhance programming for our youth and residents,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

 

The Friends of the Kankakee Public Library are always eager to meet new friends. Membership starts at $15.00 which helps the Friends pay for their programs that they bring throughout the year. All of their programs are free and open to the public.

Membership forms and brochures are available at the Kankakee Public Library. The group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. There is no meeting scheduled for the month of December. If you would like more information, please contact President Carol Szynal at 815-954-3109 or by email at cszynal@yahoo.com.

 

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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