Michelle Marlin, Lydia Strakos, Shaney Bradford join the Board of the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library.

On Saturday, June 23, the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library held its Annual Membership Meeting. New board members voted in were Shaney Bradford, POC resident Michelle Marlin and retired Calhoun County HS principal Lydia Stakos. The Friends wish to thank Vera Wiatt, Joe Wiatt and Linda Orrick for their service to the organization and are grateful to them for their continued support as active members.

The Friends membership last year was at an all time high with 165 members. New and renewing memberships are coming in daily. Membership benefits include the quarterly newsletter and the opportunity to serve on Friends committees and projects. With the new library building nearing completion, the Friends are looking forward to shifting their focus and providing more membership benefits as well as community programs and events in the new library’s multipurpose room. To join or renew go to the Friends website. www.FriendsofPortOConnorLibrary.org

Building Update: The Friends have recently been blessed by the Tocker Foundation as they have not only awarded a substantial grant for new library furnishings, but have dedicated a library designer to provide recommendations for the interior layout and items to be purchased. “We want to make this building as functional and pleasing as possible for our community” notes Ursula Price, President. “We are extremely fortunate to have the Tocker Foundation’s expertise in guiding our decisions.” Funds are still needed to purchase items for the library. Donations can be made on the Friends website where you can also find a link to the Friends Amazon Wishlist and the link to order your commemorative brick. Order soon to ensure the brick is in place for the Grand Opening Celebration. The target for the Grand Opening is by year’s end. Contact us: LibraryFriendsPOC@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.