Friends
Friends of Milton Library
Who are we
Welcome to the Friends of the Milton Public Library: We are excited that you have joined us in supporting the Milton Public Library. The FOMPL was founded in 1988 by Neva J. Baker, Jack Clark, Olga Congeleton, Charles Fleetwood, and Nancy Rhue. The FOMPL has grown from selling books displayed on a table to operating a fully fledged book and gift store featuring Milton merchandise. The FOMPL is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization separate from the Milton Public Library.
The Friends of the Milton Public Library volunteers support and advocate for the Library through various activities that include:
- Operation of the Book and Gift Shop
- Fundraising events
- Assisting with Library events
- Provide funding for programing and programing materials
- Provide funding for the summer reading program prizes
- Promotion of literacy with children’s book giveaways at the annual Milton festivals and events
Funds are generated from sales at the Friends Book and Gift shop, membership dues, in-kind gifts and grants.
As the community of Milton is expanding the FOMPL is growing in membership and operational hours of the Book and Gift Store. We thank you for your support as we keep Milton reading.
Membership
To become a Friend, simply fill out the and return it to the Milton Library along with your membership fee, or mail the form and your fee to the address below:
Friends of the Milton Public Library
Membership Chair
c/o Milton Public Library
121 Union Street
Milton, Delaware 19968
Friends Membership Application Form (pdf) English
Friends Membership Application Form (pdf) Spanish
Committees
(Current Chair – Lynn Wajda) The chair of this committee maintains the FOMPL membership list, is responsible for creating and sending new FOMPL members a welcome letter as well as additional new member documents. Members assist with recruiting new members through social media and personal contact, recognize Friends members for volunteer contributions and personal milestones and assist with Library and Friends events/activities. (Current Chair – Janet Lank) The Chair of this committee orders stock, verifies delivery and tracks sales information. Members of this committee assist with the following tasks: merchandise displays, monitoring merchandise, evaluating selling prices and conducting inventory. They set the criteria for bookstore donations, organize bookstore shelves and assist with training new bookstore volunteers. Additionally, the members plan and execute special sales events, design and install seasonal displays and work with local vendors and nonprofits to disburse surplus donations. (Current Chair – Denise Snight) The chair of this committee maintains various membership email lists and coordinates volunteer training for the Gift Shop/Bookstore. Additionally the chair develops content and provides updates to the library staff for the FOMPL library webpage. Committee members share FOMPL events and other community organizations news on social media platforms. They interface with community organizations and identify opportunities for members to volunteer at community events. Committee members also work with ad-hoc committees and the general membership to assist the FOMPL and the library to develop and promote special events. Ad Hoc committees are formed for several reasons. In 2024 an Ad Hoc Nominating committee was formed to develop a new slate of officers for the FOMPL. Additionally in 2024, an Ad Hoc Event committee was formed to plan and organize the FriendFest open house held in October. In 2023 an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to update the FOMPL bylaws. Activities are currently being planned by the library staff to celebrate the library’s 150th Anniversary this year. An Ad Hoc 150 Anniversary Committee to assist with this planning is being organized. Additional Ad Hoc committees may be formed as necessary.
Meetings
- General membership:
- Third Wednesday of the month in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
- Meeting is from 3:00 PM – 5:oo PM
- Book and Gift Shop committee: The last Wednesday of the Month in February, April, June, August, October, December. Meeting is from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Book and Gift Shop.
- Membership committee: First Monday of the Month in February, April, June, August, October, December. Meeting is from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Library, second floor.
- 150th Anniversary committee: see Library calendar
Donations
Donations are received in the Friends of the Milton Public Library Book and Gift Shop during operation hours.
Fundraising
The Friends of the Milton Public Library are selling bricks as a fundraiser. Each brick is approximately 4” x 8” and can accommodate one (1) to three (3) lines of type with up to fourteen (14) characters per line (character count includes spaces and punctuations). For each gift of $100 you may choose to recognize a family member or honor a friend, etc.
Order your brick now, and donate a piece of heritage!
Events
Please check back again for upcoming events!