Leaders sought for Vernon library Friends group before it fades away

It's been a good run, but Friends of the Vernon Area Library is in need of new blood to keep the organization going.

The not-for-profit group has been active since the early 1990s but is in a transition period and at a turning point, said Angela Goodrich, president of the board.

"We've had a lot of people on our board who have been friends since that time period," she said. "Frankly, they're just at the point where they can't be as active as they used to be."

The Vernon Area Public Library District serves 42,900 residents within a 29-square-mile area that includes Lincolnshire, Prairie View and parts of Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills and unincorporated Vernon and Ela townships.

The organization meets every other month but is hosting a special meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire, to discuss its future. Anyone interested in donating their time is asked to attend.

Goodrich is moving to Washington, D.C., for her job with the Urban Libraries Council, another board member left and the others don't have the energy to continue.

"We're looking for the next group of people to carry the vision of what the Friends will be," she said. "The library is at a great dynamic time and we're interested in creating the next generation of Friends," she added.

Officers, board members and committee heads are needed to develop programs and continue the work of being an advocate for the library, recruiting members, fundraising and special programs, such as the selection of a scholarship recipient.

Over the years, contributions by the Friends group has included remodeling enhancements, works of art, a grand piano, computer lab equipment, special programs for children and adults, and scholarships given to high school seniors in the district.

The group formed to promote a closer relationship between the library and citizens, schools and businesses of the district, to raise funds for materials, programs and services and to encourage further interest in the library.

"It's not really a huge commitment and we're able to to do some nice things for the library and the community," Goodrich said.

Contact friends@vapld.info or for information about the library, visit www.vapld.info.