DPL's inaugural Light the Library event brightens up the StoryWalk

Dec. 28—Community members gathered around at the Duncan Public Library with anticipation and excitement as they awaited to see the newest featured sign added to the property on Friday night.

Amy Ryker, library director, welcomed guests to the library to unveil their latest charity donation sponsored by the Friends of the Duncan Public Library (DPL).

"This sign, among many many other things is made possible because of all our members who join for $10 a year," she said. "Everyone who buys a book in our book sale, purchases a t-shirt or book bag and anyone who provides donations in memoriam and for other reasons."

Ryker stated the members who join Friends of the Duncan Public Library know their money will provide library programming, prizes and events just like this Light the Library event.

"A special few people volunteer their time to serve as officers," she said. "This group of people get to meet with me to discuss what we'd like to do next in the library and vote for how to spend their money."

According to Ryker, over the past few years the group had provided the library with uncountable benefits, such as the summer reading program, paying performers, providing crafts supplies, prizes, funding activities like the hot cocoa bar during the winters, as well as outdoor items to include the pergola and the digital sign.

"They are why we have a laminator and a StoryWalk and beautiful DVD storage," she said. "They are why we have candy for our Halloween activities and the Christmas parade. They help provide toys for the children's section, take-home crafts for all ages all year round, spices for our monthly spice club and art supplies for the art closet upstairs."

Ryker stated the Friends of DPL also help to provide the money for their outreach kit so they can reach out to the community.

"We can be the library we want to be for the public, because of this generous group of people," she said.

Ryker thanked the current year officers who voted to help support this new holiday sign.

"I want to thank President Cyndy Spears, Vice President Janice Hodges, Secretary Sue Gibbons and Treasurer Chelsey Gideon," she said, "along with voting officers Dara Ross, Chrisie Young and Beverly Dear, and former officers Dianna Morgan, Cheryl Dowell and Barbara Gee for their continued help and advice."

She noted how some of these people will go off of the board in the upcoming year and they will need new officers beginning in March.

Ryker asked for the community to consider volunteering their time for four meetings a year and some of those meetings may even be via email.

"We need generous hearts who share the vision of the library as a community hub and 'third place' to spend your time and enrich your life," she said.

Ryker said as they were designing, gathering estimates and planning for the sign, they ultimately decided to put a call out for donated items as well to benefit Christians Concerned at the same time.

"We asked Christians Concerned what they would be looking for and they suggested personal hygiene items," she said.

In addition to the personal items, Ryker said they will also accept non-perishable food items as well.

She said for those who weren't able to donate on Friday night, they can still bring in items later and they will get them to the desired charity.

Ryker thanked the library staff of designing and assembling the sign.

"Things like this seem like 'oh yay, you got a sign,' but actually this one thing requires dozens of hours on multiple people's parts to design, communicate, negotiate, coordinate and physically work hard to make it all come together," she stated.

The Duncan Public Library is located at 3785 Highway 81. For more information, contact 580-255-0636.