Volunteers provide services, books and funds to MLB
Friends of the Marianna Black Library Used Bookstore donated over $18,000 to the Marianna Black Library (MBL) last year. This year’s goal is $25,000. The bookstore is 100% run by volunteers, who put hours of time and energy into reaching that goal.
“We are here to support our library,” said Deanna Booth, Friends president. “We are a nonprofit organization. We do fundraisers. Everything is donated. Every cent goes to the library.”
Friends volunteers help promote and enhance library activities and resources.
“Without the support of the Friends of the Marianna Black Library, the library would not be able to meet the needs of our community,” said Marianna Black Librarian Jeff Delfield. “Their support is invaluable. The funds that come from the bookstore help support programs, buy books and magazines and buy computer equipment that so many of our patrons rely on.”
Racks upon racks of best sellers, vintage, regional Appalachia, Native American, nonfiction, theology, philosophy, history, science, mysteries and thriller, cooking, outdoor adventure, TikTok viral books and numerous other genres lay neatly organized on racks.
“We have a lot of donors,” Booth said. “We also get books discarded from libraries.”
In return, Friends of the Marianna Black Library volunteers donate books to the hospital, nursing homes and county jail.
The success of Friends of the MBL depends on active memberships and committed volunteers. To join in on the fun and partake in supporting the local library, visit fontanalib.org to download the application form or simply stop by the library or the used bookstore.
Friends of the Marianna Black Library Used Bookstore is open every day apart from Wednesday 12-4 p.m., pending volunteer availability. The bookstore is located down the street from Marianna Black Library at 32 Everett Street.