Friends of the Bonfield Public Library
Contact
Donna MacPherson – Chairperson 776-9018
Chris Kerr - Secretary/Treasury 776-7567
GOAL OF THE FRIENDS:
Friends of the Library assist in heightening awareness of Library resources available to the local community. Another important function of the group is fundraising through the hosting of local events. These funds are used by the Library for special programs and initiatives. They could be as varied as: assisting with physical needs of the library, providing food and refreshments for after school kid's programs at the library, presenting shows for the community and/or members assisting with in house projects that the Library budget cannot accommodate.
Message from "Friends"
We wish to encourage new members for our Friends Group.
We are always looking for new members for our Friends Group. If you have an interest in the Library and have a few hours a month, please join our group.
We meet once a month: the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM at the Township Hall. Meetings are approximately 2 hours. We have about four fundraisers a year. We have fun while contributing to the Library, in turn contributing to your community.
Come join us.
Upcoming Events and Projects
Annual Book Sale: May 26, 2012
Winner of the Television Raffle is Glenda Amyotte.
Thanks to all for supporting the Friends by purchasing tickets. (Pictures)
Merry Christmas
Ladies Night Out 2011 (Pictures)
Friends of the Bonfield Public Library held their 9th Annual Ladies Night Out recently. There was an exceptional turnout of eager guests. These gals wanted to have fun: and that they did !!!
First off, we listened in amazement to Sandy Foster tell us of her experiences in Kenya working with aids afflicted women and children. Hope 2 Kenya provides a “hand up” to the women of Kenya to become self sufficient. In turn, they become productive members of their tribe which enables them to feed and raise not only their children but the unbelievable number of orphans. Sandy’s passion oozed out of her and was absorbed by our guests. Sandy will be out and about in the community raising awareness and funds for this worthy endeavour.
Next, our guests were treated to our exceptional auctioneer Jill Steele, who was able to open the pocket books of the unsuspecting women. A big thank you to all who took home their treasures and left us their money.
There is a well kept secret in Bonfield which was let out of the bag Thursday night!!! We have a gem in the community. Debbie Shank has a eye for fashion. We were treated to the first ever fashion show from the Dinner Bell Boutique. The models wowed the audience with fashions, jewellery, scarves, wraps and purses. By gosh, should you need an outfit to attend a wedding, an evening on the town or just to treat yourself: stop by the Dinner Bell. Debbie and her staff will be excited to share their wares. You will be especially surprised by the reasonable prices.
The evening was wrapped up with a surprise visit from, none other than Santa. Can you believe Santa took time to visit our wee community of Bonfield? Santa had a message for those folks wanting to start their shopping early. Friends of the Bonfield Public Library are offering you the opportunity to purchase tickets for the chance to win a 42” FLAT SCREEN TELEVISION just in time for Christmas giving (or giving to yourself) Tickets can be purchased at the Bonfield Library, Bonfield Caisse Populaire or any member of the Friends. Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Critters and Kids 2011/ Hosted by Bonfield Public Library, Sponsored by Friends (Pictures)
The critters visited the library several years ago and were a thrill, so . . . . The library wanted to see how the critters were doing. Critters and Kids made the trip to Bonfield in August.
Grace and Aaron were excited to show off their entourage. This year the critters and guests were able to be out of the elements and have tons of room to strut their stuff. The event was held under the new sports roof recently constructed behind the Bonfield Township Office and Bonfield Library.
Not only were kids eager to see, touch and interact with the critters: there was a large group of adults that were equally intrigued. Over 100 folks came to the interactive display.
The guests were able to touch a snake and hold the rascal as well. The tortoise had tons of room to wander with a group of young people eager to follow and see if they could entice the hard shelled fella to have a bite to eat. The iguana was particularly popular with it’s interesting colours and graceful movement. It got pretty crowed around the cages when Grace and Aaron were providing information. This was an awesome learning experience for young and old alike.
This is what learning is all about, Libraries have far more to offer than just books! This was way different than opening a book or turning on the computer. If you haven’t done so: now is the time to pay a visit to your local library.
Critters and Kids can be found on the Web.
Submitted by Chris Kerr Sep 01/11
Ladies Night Out 2010
August 26th was a night for SWEETS, SWEAT & SAVOIR
FAIRE when the Friends of the Bonfield Public Library hosted the VIII
Annual Ladies Night Out. The Lion’s Den was filled to capacity with gals
excited to share an evening of laughter and friendship. These same gals
were generous beyond belief during the auction portion of the evening.
The evening began with a tribute to Sharon Scott an integral figure in the
formation of the “Friends” group. Sharon passed away on August 16th and
will be remembered for her extraordinary ability to sell tickets for any
community cause and her enthusiasm for which ever group she was involved
with. Sharon lived the Friends motto: Remembering the Past, Education the
Future.
As the guests devoured the SWEETS, they were entertained by Susan Woodman-Dodds
performing Hatha Yoga and Belly Dance. Susan was so inspiring the audience
put aside inhibitions and did their own version of The Belly Dance causing
a few to SWEAT !!
Pennington’s Ladies Wear was on hand to add a little SAVOIR FAIRE to the
evening with a fashion show. The models wowed the audience with fashions
from the fall collection. Everyone wanted to touch and feel the clothing
fabric to help them make their decisions as to which outfit was truly
“theirs”.
Our evening wrapped up with a reading of “If I had my life to live over
again” by Brianna Church. This selection provided food for thought for
everyone on the drive home.
Members of the communities in and around the Bonfield area were very
giving with donations for the auction this year. Paddles were up and down
so fast, at times Jill , the Auctioneer had her head spinning in all
directions. Because of the generosity of merchants, various individuals
and all the bidders during the auction, the Library becomes the direct
“winner” . Patrons of the Library, in turn are able to enjoy all the
various collections our local Library has to offer. Services feature hard
copy books, videos, talking books, computer and internet services, fax,
photocopy, the list is endless and Jeannette the Librarian is constantly
looking for innovative ways to serve the community.
A sincere thank you to all who contributed, making this event an evening
to remember.
Digitization of Rutherglen's Women's Institute historical records
These records were recently contributed to the Library collection. They include many old photographs and newspaper clippings. The institute, which has disbanded, also donated the balance of their treasury to the Friends of the Library.
The Library Board has received an LSDF Grant in the amount of $15,380 for this project. Friends will begin this project shortly. Calvin Women's Instituted has asked to be included in the archival of their records as well.
These records will be preserved for future retention and reference.
Friends searched throughout the community for a suitable place to establish our workshop for the project. We found the perfect match: a portion of a classroom that is not being used at Ecole Lorrain. This is a wonderful partnership: preserving the past in a place where students are becoming the history makers of the future. Ecole Lorrain has donated the space for the duration of the project. Technical equipment is in place and Friends are busy transferring data from hand-written journals. Our Friends are looking forward to delving into the past and making it accessible for the future.