Group help libraries thrive in technology age

While reading has taken many new forms with the never-ending advances in technology, the South Montgomery County Friends of the Library has helped the two Woodlands libraries keep pace with trends.

"Libraries all across the country are changing because of the popularity of E-books and technology," said Gail Magill, president of Friends of the Library. "[The Woodlands' libraries] are wonderful libraries and they're keeping up-to-date with the trends of libraries."

South Montgomery County Friends of the Library was founded in the 1970s as a way to provide additional money for library programs in The Woodlands that Montgomery County cannot, Magill said. In addition to offering an annual $40,000 for each library for reading programs and research material, the organization provided another $50,000 last year for materials, including books, CDs and DVDs.

Magill said Montgomery County keeps the libraries running and provides new materials every year, but they need additional help to fund children's reading programs and speakers, computer classes, and several book clubs.

"[Book clubs are] a great asset to the community," she said. "When people move to a new community, one of the first things they do is look for book clubs."

Friends of the Library has funded other items as well, such as 14 audio headsets for the hearing impaired and 12 new computers specialized for young children learning to read, Magill said. The organization recently funded a $67,000 renovation at the South Regional location, which included new countertops and flooring.

The organization's main source of funding comes from the gift shops at the libraries, which sell slightly used books, Magill said. The organization also raises money from the online sale of donated books with exceptional value and from an annual three-day book sale.

Volunteer membership forms are available at either library or online, Magill said. Membership fees are $10 a year for individuals or $15 for families. There are monthly meetings for members and four general meetings for the public every year free of charge.

Annual Book Sale

The South Montgomery County Friends of the Library hosts its annual book sale on April 11-13 at the South Montgomery County Community Center, located at 2235 Lake Robbins Drive. The sale will be from 5–8:30 p.m. April 11, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 12 and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. April 13. Money raised from the sale will go to fund numerous programs, items and services for the two libraries in The Woodlands.

Friends of the Library, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, 8125 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands, 936-539-7814, www.smcfriendsofthelibrary.org