Let’s take a quick poll of Shores residents — how many of you are members of the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library? Only a few? Ok, how many have ever heard of the Friends of the Library? A few more … Finally, how many of you enjoyed, or would enjoy, the many wonderful free programs that the Friends provide for kids, adults, and families?
The Friends is a non-profit group of volunteers who raise funds for one reason only: to benefit the community using Redwood City’s four libraries, by making significant gifts to expand Library programs. The Friends provide a truly remarkable range of services, for example:
- Programs for kids and adults featuring books, films, and music
- Career and technology education and assistance programs
- The famous Dad & Me Programs
- Family Night and Saturday activities
- KinderCard program to provide kindergartners with Library cards
- Literacy programs
- Parenting workshops and cultural arts programs
- Online tutor assistance
- Children’s summer reading programs
- …and the list goes on and on!
Funds are raised through their great bookstore located at the Downtown Library, and through memberships in the Friends of the Library, which start at just $10. Take a look at the Friends website at www.redwoodcity.org/library/friends_of_the_library.html — the more members there are, the more great programs like those listed above for kids, youth, adults, and families can be provided, and the more benefit to the Redwood Shores residents and our entire community.
I invite everyone in Redwood Shores to join the Friends of the Redwood City Library today. And of course visit the Redwood Shores Library at 399 Marine Parkway, and go online at www.redwoodcity.org/library to learn about everything we do.
— By Dave Genesy, Redwood City Library Director