WILMINGTON — The joy of reading is cherished by many. It can be a peaceful past time, an educational opportunity, or a wild adventure!

It’s easy to see the value in a local library as a key part of a healthy community. But did you know there is an organization specifically dedicated to the preservation and growth of your local institution?

The Friends of the Library are people bound by a passion for supporting the Wilmington Public Library and all of those who enjoy it!

Formed in 1980, “the Friends” have proudly donated over $115,000 to the local library. The funds have been applied toward a variety of projects over the years, from improving the children’s area to the installation of an elevator.

Bill Limbacher, a local networker with a love for mingling, currently serves as the president of the organization. The co-vice presidents, Annabelle Martin and Stephen Edmonson, are relatively new members who have been busy thinking about new ways to engage the community.

The Friends will be holding two events in the coming month. The first will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Papsy’s Yogurt Shop — a new business offering tasty treats at 115 West Main St. — and the owners plan to have some exciting story-related flavors for that day.

This will be an excellent opportunity to get to know the Friends while supporting a local business. The team will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to meet you and talk about their group.

As always, the local book sale is something to look forward to as well. Held on Oct. 13-14, come down to your local library to pick through some incredible books at amazing prices averaging about $1 per book.

You can build your own library, meet the Friends, and support the library all at once.