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Friends of the Library launches new Web site

From Staff Reports

MICHIGAN CITY - The Friends of the Michigan City Public Library have a new Web site, www.mc-friendsofthelibrary.com.

"As part of our membership drive, the Friends created a Web site to aid in communications with our current and potential members," said Jan Kostielney, president of the Friends. "We'll use the site to provide information about meetings, activities and events, including photos."

"Regardless of economic climate," Kostielney continued, "non-profit organizations such as the Friends of the Michigan City Public Library can't afford to spend a great deal of money on printing and mailing, so Web sites and e-mail are crucial tools for groups such as ours. We expect the Web site to be very successful in helping us connect with the community."

The site currently has photos from the Friends recent annual meeting and ice cream social as well as a membership form, a new calendar of events and the Summer 2009 issue of "Friends' News."

The Friends support library programs, raise funds for special purposes, volunteer to create and manage projects, promote community awareness of libraries, advocate for funding of the library and support the freedom of individuals to read what they wish.

Robin Kohn, vice president of Friends and public relations manager for the library, said, "Friends are ambassadors to the community. Members help share the news about all the ways the Michigan City Public Library changes people's lives and connects them to the world. Friends work with the library staff to help provide electronic resources, books and media to contribute to the goals of the Library's patrons and directly contribute to the children, youth and adults attending the Library's programs by acting as ambassadors and advocates with elected officials. Friends members are the volunteers who assist library staff at programs such as "Writing Out Loud," and performances, programs and other activities for patrons of all ages, and the Friends raise money to contribute to library needs that can't be met in the library's operating budget."

Questions may be directed to Kohn at 873-3049 or via e-mail to vicepresident@mc-friendsofthelibrary.com.