Friends of JVB Library celebrate library donations, volunteer awards

Williamsport, Pa. — The Friends of the James V. Brown Library held their annual Volunteer Reception on April 9, celebrating last year's financial and service contributions to the library.

In 2023, the group contributed $51,302 to the library.

During the reception, the Friends presented the Rose Lehman Harer Volunteer of the Year award to Jeanne Yaggi, and the library presented the Carile Brown Award to Brette Confair, vice president of the library’s Board of Trustees.

The James V. Brown Library established the Carile Brown Award in 2000. This award is given annually to a volunteer whose sustained dedication has enabled the library to carry forward the founders’ goals of service to the community.

The Friends of the James V. Brown Library were established in 1956 by Robert P. Henry, a trade union worker who wanted to raise funds to renovate the library. Since then, the Friends group has grown from several community members to nearly 500 members. A membership to the Friends supports the Library’s goals to serve hundreds of people daily with its collection of high-quality materials in various formats for all ages, provide access to online information for people of all ages and incomes, and assist all residents of Lycoming County in meeting their lifelong learning goals.

Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter with upcoming events, early notice of special events, access to the Friends-only preview at book sales, and special sales at the Friends Bookstore, which is located on the third floor of the Welch Children’s Wing.

An annual contribution of $20 is all that is required to become a Friend of the James V. Brown Library. More importantly, it helps support and sustain one of Lycoming County’s cultural treasures. Family memberships are $35.

Members of the Friends volunteer as book sorters, assist the library with mailings, volunteer at the Friends Favorites store, and plan and organize spring and fall book sales.

To become a member of the Friends, visit jvbrown.edu/about-the-friends or stop by the help desk or bookstore for a membership form.