This past Monday, April 15, we hosted our Annual Meeting at the Friends of the Library Center & Bookshop. This is the first time the meeting was held in our bookshop, and we were thrilled to welcome everyone through its doors. Debra Freeman, a food writer who focuses on African American culinary history and current editor of Style Weekly, was our guest speaker. She spoke on the Virginia roots of fried chicken, barbeque, and macaroni and cheese and gave some historical context on each of the three foods. After the talk, we indulged in the very dishes she spoke about, as well as some additional treats.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Candace Schmidt, Debra Freeman

For those of you who were unable to attend, I wanted to share some fantastic information from the 2023 Treasurer’s Report. In FY23, which ended October 31, 2023, the Friends Bookshop and branch bookshops earned a total of $86,193. We also collected $12,620 in memberships, $9,187 in donations, and $1,470 from the fun quilt raffle we did this past summer.

The total income for the Friends of the Library in FY23 was $109,470 -- an increase of 25%!

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who contributed to the Topside Cares fundraising event. Because of the generosity of our community, we raised $5,430 for 2024!

After five wonderful years as your President, I decided not to seek re-election for 2024 and am delighted that Salem Waters, our long-time Vice President, was elected as our new President at Monday’s meeting. In addition, Jym Horak was elected Vice President, and Stephanie Lyles will be returning as Treasurer.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Salem Waters, President; Jym Horak, Vice President; Stephanie Lyles, Treasurer

I wanted to thank you all for everything you do to support the Friends and the library. I am honored to have served as your president for the past five years and am excited to watch the Friends continue to thrive under Salem’s leadership.

I hope to see you at the bookshop and at Music on the Steps this summer!

Candace Schmidt, Friends Past President

Bumper Stickers

Show your support with these beautiful bumper stickers, which are available at the Friends of the Library Center & Bookshop and in branch bookshops for $3 each, or 2 for $5. Supplies are limited, so grab them while you can!

Friends who renew or join in April can receive special membership rewards!

Be sure to indicate when you renew or join whether you wish to receive a reward.

Your renewal information is below. To renew, click the button or visit crrlfriends.org/join-us. If you have any questions, please contact CRRL Planning and Development Specialist Lisa Gray lisa.gray@crrl.org.

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Prefer to Pay by Check?

If you prefer to pay by check, please print and fill out this form and mail it to Friends of CRRL, 125 Olde Greenwich Dr., Suite 150, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

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You can pay by Venmo to @CRRLFriends -- In the memo line, include your email address and indicate whether you wish to receive membership rewards. If you do, include your preferred branch for pick-up.

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