Are the library and the Friends the same thing?

No. The Friends of the Berryville Library, Inc., and the Berryville Public Library are separate entities. The library is a county office staffed by county employees that is funded by a millage. The Friends is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that exists to provide support to the library. We are all all-volunteer organization, and the money we raise from fundraising events goes toward supporting the library. Though some library staff members are also members of the Friends, most of our members are not affiliated with the library except as avid patrons. 

Why should I join the Friends?

Everyone who loves the library should join the Friends!

Our fundraising and volunteer efforts help the library provide programming and services to the community that it couldn't otherwise do, and we're also helping the library with its capital campaign to raise money for a badly needed new library building. Membership dues and donations all go toward supporting the library, either for current needs or for the building fund. 

As we work toward funding and building a new library facility, we will need to be able to prove to potential institutional donors that there is strong community support for a new library, and a healthy, vibrant, active Friends group is one of the best ways to do this.

Joining the Friends is also the best way to ensure you get updates on the progress toward a new library building. 

If you'd like to learn more about the Berryville Library Building Project, please visit this website.