Libraries are a vital part of local communities. The Union Public Library services Union and the surrounding areas and is part of the larger Kemper-Newton Library System. But how are these libraries funded? Because they are public institutions, these libraries are funded through the local, state and federal governments; however, funding for libraries has been shrinking for the past decade. Therefore, the Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries step in to help secure funding for this system of public libraries, including the Union Public Library.
Several years ago, there was a Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries group in Union, but this club was disbanded. Since funding had been cut, the Kemper-Newton Library system had been suffering. These libraries could not even afford plastic book coverings for their books, so three years ago, Brenda Smith, a Union resident and former librarian in Philadelphia, felt the need to start a Friends of the Library Group. On April 17, 2016, the Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries held its inaugural meeting.
Over the past three years, the Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries has helped secure funding for the Kemper-Newton Library System through receiving state grants. Because of the competitive nature of library grants, some libraries are not eligible to even apply for this funding, but the Friends groups can apply for these grants and donate them to the local libraries. The Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries have been awarded at least three grants in the past year—the Margaret Murray grant by the Mississippi Library Commission and a Walmart grant. Grants like these have helped the Kemper-Newton Library System buy coverings for books, fund summer reading programs and update many of the libraries. Furthermore, because of these grants, the Kemper-Newton Library System has become one of the few “fine-free” libraries in the state, which means that these libraries do not charge late fees for overdue books. The Friends Group also helps with library promotion, library advocacy and the creation of a library volunteer force. They also hold book sales for discarded books.
With the rise of modern technology and access to infinite information at our fingertips, how do libraries stay relevant in the 21st century? Why should local communities support and fund their libraries and Friends Groups? Public libraries serve a much greater purpose than simply a place to read. In addition to providing literature for all ages, many libraries offer a wide range of services from internet access to homework assistance and even health services (23 percent of libraries offer fitness classes, and 60% of libraries offer programs for American to learn about health insurance and general health topics). Many libraries also assist in the job application process as well as help people complete government forms.
Furthermore, libraries are one of the best places to access the internet if people do not have internet or a computer in their homes. Many students across the nation depend on libraries for computer and internet access so that they can complete and submit their homework. Libraries are still extremely relevant in the modern age, and communities should support their local libraries and Friends Groups so that libraries can continue to provide their vital services.
The Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries has done tremendous work for not only the Union Public Library but for the Kemper-Newton Library System as a whole. However, they need local support. Anyone can purchase a membership to help fund this Friends Group. An individual membership costs only five dollars annually (two dollars for students), and family membership is only ten dollars annually. Local businesses can join for twenty-five dollars annually, and anyone can join for life for a one-time fee of one-hundred dollars. People can also support the Friends Group by attending one of their events. On August 22, they are holding a book signing reception with Bob May at the J. Elliott McMullan Library in Newton. On September 17, they are having a Friends of the Libraries at the Dekalb Public Library. In October, they will be holding a book sale at the Union Public Library.
Union should support its local Friends of the Libraries group so that the Union Public Library and libraries of the surrounding areas can continue to provide their vital services.
As Brenda Smith, founder of the Friends of the Kemper-Newton Libraries says, “Football teams have Football Boosters, and high school bands have Band Boosters. How is it, that we, as intelligent community members have let our libraries fall by the wayside? Not only are those libraries each a part of our surround community history, they are, or should be a huge stepping-stone to our children’s future. It is our responsibility to ensure that these libraries are equipped to serve the educational needs of our children.”
