Friends of the Library

Friends of the Winterset Public Library is a nonprofit advocacy organization which supports the Library. Our volunteer members advocate, educate, and raise funds on behalf of the Library, its patrons, and the community.

Purpose

Friends of the Winterset Public Library, founded in 1990, is an incorporated non-profit organization registered with the State of Iowa. As an advocacy organization, our volunteer members promote, educate, and raise funds for special projects to benefit the Library, its patrons, and the community.

Projects/Funding

Our major fund-raising projects include an annual used book sale held in the Fall, a perpetual book sale called the Book Nook near the Library service desk, and various other special functions. The Friends are also the steward of various donations, and memorials and generous endowments. These monetary resources are used to augment the Library’s operating budget, provided by the City of Winterset and Madison County, and to offer opportunities and services for the public. A three-member Friends Finance Committee oversees Friends investments and presents quarterly reports.

Meetings

Friends meetings are held each month on the 2nd Thursday at 6:30 pm in the Library. Anyone interested in supporting the Library is invited to attend our meetings.

Membership

The Friends currently has over 100 members. Several membership levels are available:

  • Annual membership, $5.00
  • Supporting membership; $25.00 (resulting in Lifetime membership, if paid in each of four consecutive years)
  • Lifetime membership; $100 (no additional membership fees are collected)

The membership year runs from September to August. You may join Friends anytime thoughout the year by asking for our brochure at our Library service desk.

Donations/Endowments

The Friends of the Winterset Public Library welcome donations of any amount. These are tax-deductible and can be made at the Library’s service desk. Please consider a matching gift by your employer, if available. If you are interested in providing a endowment to the Friends organization, please contact the Library Director for options. We appreciate your support and will utilize your funds to benefit the Library and the community it serves.