National Friends of Libraries Week Highlights Local Friends Groups Supporting Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries will be spending the week of October 16–22, 2022, celebrating its Friends of the Libraries as part of the 17th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.

Prince William Public Libraries has seven Friends groups that support its 12 branches throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The first Friends group helped establish Prince William Public Libraries in 1952, and the newest Friends group – the Friends of Manassas City Library – was established in 2021.

Friends of the Libraries’ fundraising efforts, together with the Library Foundation’s contributions, help Prince William Public Libraries enhance its services. This not only saves taxpayers money but also builds community relationships and collaboration. More than 100 community members actively volunteer their time to assist the seven Friends groups with fundraising efforts that include used book sales, raffle baskets, and partnerships with local restaurants and businesses.

“We are happy to celebrate the National Friends of Libraries Week, the 70th anniversary of Prince William Public Libraries, and the seventh birthday of Haymarket Gainesville Library,” said Karen Nizialek, Friends of Gainesville Library President. “Our Friends group will raffle off two baskets full of goodies and reading-themed treasures. All funds raised will support children and adult programming. We appreciate the support and participation from the community.”

The Friends groups include:

• Friends of Bull Run Regional Library
• The Friends of Central Community Library
• The Friends of the Chinn Park Regional Library
• Friends of Gainesville Library
• The Friends of Manassas City Library
• The Friends of Montclair Library
• The Friends of Potomac Community Library

“Prince William Public Libraries would not be able to offer the same quality programming our patrons have come to love and enjoy,” said Director Deborah L. Wright. “The funds they raise are used for programs, purchase equipment and supplies, and more. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.”

Learn more about the Friends of the Libraries, their contributions and fundraising efforts, and how to become a Friend at pwcva.gov/library.

About Prince William Public Libraries

Prince William Public Libraries has 12 branches throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas, providing free access to books, e-books, e-audio, print and digital magazines, Digital Library, DVDs, and more. PWPL also offers free educational and entertaining programs for all ages. Learn more at pwcva.gov/library.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit ala.org/united.

###

Media Contact:

Rachel Johnson, Acting Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 571-298-7249