<< Back 12/25/02 Friends of the Macon Library make donation SMN The Macon County Public Library is $38,700 richer as 2002 draws to a close thanks to sales of donated used books and magazines by the Friends of the Library Bookstore in Franklin. All proceeds from the bookstore’s sales are contributed to the public library, usually in quarterly payments. The final $5,000 payment plus a bonus of $10,000, were presented by the Friends to Library Director Karen Wallace at the recent Friends holiday party in the library. “The Friends Bookstore has been a boon to our library over the years, but particularly now with state and local government budget cuts or freezes,” said Wallace. “Without these regular Friends’ contributions, we probably would have faced staff reductions and/or cutbacks in service hours to the public. We have not had to take such drastic steps because of the financial cushion provided by the Friends.” Wallace itemized some of the uses of Friends’ donations: programs for children, Summer Reading Program, programs for adults, books on CD programs and the ability to buy more books and videos. Friends’ President Sue Waldroop not only praised the efforts of “our dedicated bookstore volunteers,” but also the generosity of Macon County residents and visitors who annually donate thousands of books, magazines, and other items to keep store shelves stocked. “Our customers and donors come from throughout Western North Carolina and North Georgia,” Waldroop said. “They are true supporters of our public library and realize its importance to our community. To them we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation.” Founded in 1971, the Friends of the Macon County Public Library is a nonprofit group that operates a bookstore at 121 Highlands Rd. in the East Franklin Shopping Center. The bookstore is staffed six days a week (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday) and is run by volunteers. It is the only such full-time volunteer Friends’ bookstore operation in North Carolina.