The words we use matter. This is something we all agree on. But one thing we can’t always agree on is what these words mean. All of this becomes especially difficult when the definition of a word changes.

Friend.

It used to mean one thing. Then a certain social media juggernaut came along, and now that means something else.

Here at the library we have very good friends. And I’m not talking about Facebook friends (although yes, we have them too). I’m talking about Friends of the Library, a fundraising group that has donated over $240,000 (yes, you read that right) to the library since its inception in 1985.

We cannot overestimate the importance of their contributions over the years. Like a good friend, the Friends of the Library have always been there for us. They helped us raise funds to expand the library to include the basement and more recently allowed us to create our exciting new Tech Hub rooms.

Historically, they have done all of this fundraising by organizing book sales. Going forward, they are looking to expand beyond just selling books and embrace different strategies.

And that’s where you come in.

Because like any non-profit organization, the Friends of the Library are always eager to welcome new volunteers into their fold. New faces with a lot of energy and innovative ideas. People who love the library and want to offer their support.

If you want to know more about the Friends of the Library, you are invited to attend their annual general meeting on February 8 at 12 p.m. (on Zoom). Simply email Board Chair Miriam Williams at [email protected] to register.

As we look with hope to the near future, when the pandemic that will not be named will no longer have its grip on us, we expect to emerge blinking in the sunshine, ready to rebuild all the community connections we have been missing since. two years. of years.

Library Friends will be ready and waiting for you, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with other library lovers among us.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ve launched a brand new Official City of Nelson Podcast – The Scoop featuring Avi and Ginger. For our first episode, City Communications Coordinator Ginger Lester and I sat down with Colin Innes, Director of Public Works and Utilities, to discuss the snow event that hit Nelson on January 4, where the city ​​received a whopping 80 centimeters overnight.

Find it wherever you get your podcasts or watch the video on the City of Nelson YouTube page. Stay tuned for our next episode!

Avi Silberstein is a children’s librarian at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out runs every two weeks. If you would like to learn more about library programs and services, sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website or by calling us.