Plenty of activities for Friends of Library Week

The week of Oct. 17-23 has been declared "National Friends of the Library Week."

"Across the nation, libraries are seeing an increase in the usage of the many services they provide. Even so, while libraries are having a surge in circulation, and more and more people are signing up for library cards, libraries are also dealing with the economic downturn," said Frieda Ford of Friends of the Carson City Library.

"Now is a time when many library Friends groups are asked to find more money to support the services and programs of our libraries. This is as true in Carson City as it is elsewhere. The Friends of the Carson City Library work diligently with volunteer fundraising efforts to provide this money," she said.

Over the past year, through the hard work of the Friends and the generosity of the public in donating books and other materials, the Friends have contributed to the new automated check-in and check-out system, supported the youth summer reading program, staff training and travel, purchased new books and videos, and much more.

A "Friend Your Library" event will kick off the Friends of the Carson City Library week of celebration and membership drive. Come to the library from 1-3 p.m. Saturday to enjoy some goodies and learn more about what the Friends of the Library are all about and how you can help.

On Monday, the Friends of the Carson City Library will present author Richard Delaney and "Quest For Freedom," a program about the infamous 1871 Nevada State Prison Break.

Twenty-nine hardened criminals escaped from the Carson City facility and rampaged throughout the Sierra Nevada. Who were these men? Why were they in prison? Where did they go and what happened to them?

Come to the library auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Monday to get the answers to these questions and much more.

A membership drive will be going on all week. New members are always welcome, and the cost is nominal. Come to the "Browsers Corner" Book Store just inside the entrance to the library to find out more, or go to www.

friendscclibrary.org. Those who are interested can also join us on their Facebook page.

For more information, call Ford at 882-5458.