FRIENDS OF THE STORRS LIBRARY: Celebrating 30 Years of Service
The Longmeadow Library can trace its history back nearly 300 years and during its multi-century run, it has been helped by countless residents and benefactors. However, 30 years ago, a committed group of volunteers started a nonprofit, The Friends of the Storrs Library (FOSL), whose mission is to provide funding and awareness to the library so that it can enjoy 300 more years. Since FOSL’s inception in 1994, throngs of volunteers have raised and contributed over $315,000 to the Library. Friends of the Library consists of individuals and families who are dedicated to the mission of the library and committed to the improvement of library services.
“I love how the Storrs Library is the beating heart of our little community. It offers programs and a gathering place for all ages,” says FOSL president Julia Mitchell.
Mitchell, an author, chef, and more recent FOSL volunteer, understands the need to support libraries whose services reach much farther than a collection of books.
“Supporting public libraries has never been more important. As the world has become more digital, libraries provide internet access and computers for everyone to use, plus the library is the social hub that helps build a strong community,” Mitchell adds.
During the year, the FSOL hosts a variety of fund- and friend-raising events. The annual book sale, their most storied event, gathers thousands of donated books from and sells them at the and last season, they began a new tradition, collaborating with a number of nonprofits.
Tea Time at the library was a wonderful event - complete with a new, special blend of tea! There was active participation from a number of Longmeadow volunteer organizations. “We had the Longmeadow Newcomers serving the tea, the high schools’ Key Club and Honor Society serving food and pouring the tea, and the Boy Scouts helping to clean up and set up all the tables. A real community event,” said Mitchell.
To me, the library is the center of our community. It certainly was our family’s center.” said long-term member and past board president, Barbara Stechenberg.
“It seems our family has grown up in the library. When we first moved here, my girls were just learning to read and cherished their visits to the children’s area. As they grew up they loved participating in the summer reading challenge. Until I retired I mainly used the library for the escape of reading fiction after plowing through stuff from work. When I retired, I used the library to find a new community!”
“Volunteering for the library has opened my eyes to the strength of the library and its many offerings,” Stechenberg continued. “Getting through the pandemic and still being able to support the library was remarkable. The main highlight is being able to work with a group of people who are so committed, hard-working, talented, fun to work with.”
Mitchell credits the FOSL with helping immerse her in the fabric of Longmeadow. “I am relatively new to Longmeadow. We’ve only lived here six years. And joining the Friends really connected me
“Storrs Library is completely unique. Jean Maziarz, Library Director, has put together a team with a clear vision to provide literature and education for all ages but also they really seek to create bonds with neighbors,” continued Mitchell. “The childrens’ area not just helps kids but enables parents to connect with other parents. And the adult programs are remarkable. Sarah Storrs would be proud of the pillar the library continues to be all these many years later.”
“The library creates a love of reading and learning that starts at a young age and continues through your lifetime,” said Michelle Szlajen, Board Member.
“I have met so many great people over the years through FOSL. We all share our love of the library and our community. Everyone brings something different to the group and I am always amazed of what we can accomplish together,” she adds.
All these years later, Longmeadow Library is thriving, due to the work of the Friends of the Library - and anyone can be a part of that team.
“We would love to have new Friends and board members,” said Mitchell. “If you want a fun volunteer gig that allows you to work with great people, then this is the group for you!”
