The Friends of the Library met Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Wilmington Library’s Kirk Room. President Jim Hayslip opened the meeting by handing out a membership spreadsheet for corrections. Members on the list will be contacted regarding “active” or “inactive” status.

The Kirk Room has been scheduled for meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. for the remainder of the year. Hayslip also presented a handout for volunteers working in the Free Library, which is located immediately adjacent to the Wilmington Library front desk. Volunteers will be asked to sort books to be discarded and bring new books to fill the Free Library shelves.

We ask that donors adhere to certain guidelines: books need to be in good physical condition; paperbacks published prior to 2015, and hardbacks published prior to 2020 will not be accepted unless the item is of particular interest. Audio books, CD’s, games, and puzzles will not be accepted.

The categories in the Free Library are Biographies; Religion (all religions), Social Sciences (politics, history, business); Self Help (exercise, health, diet); Holidays and Crafts; Arts (art, music, entertainment); Cookbooks and Gardening; and the always needed—Miscellaneous. Starting this year, new additions will be marked with a green sticker. The current red stickers indicate 2022; any of which remaining in January 2024, will be discarded.

Some ideas for upcoming events include coordinating an Easter Egg Hunt and Street Fair with Gavin Park; the April Antique Show at Roberts Arena; gift basket give-a-ways; and whatever else the group’s vivid imaginations produce.

The hours of the Free Library coincide with those of the Wilmington Public Library. While not necessary, financial donations are appreciated. The next meeting of the Friends of the Library will be Tuesday, Feb. 17. For anyone who loves to read, and has nothing to do that day, please join us.