Friends of the Library
The Friends of the New Castle Public Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the library. The Friends donate monies monthly to purchase the current best-selling titles in fiction and non-fiction. As you look around the Library, shelving, display cases, chairs, and even computer tables were purchased by the Friends.
The Friends of the Library group was organized in 1992 through the efforts of Margaret Bidinotto, Jeen Nunn, Ginny Collbridge, Muriel French, and Jody Whitman. Membership has grown over the years as more people learn about the activities and achievements of the Friends. New members are always welcome. Dues are tax-deductible.
Current
Officers
Marianne Hooker - president
Gai Bowers - vice president
Vicki Francis - co-treasurer
Nancy Bonk - co-treasurer
Kathy Heess - recording secretary
Carol Colaizzi - corresponding secretary
Stacy Brown - board member at large
Ginny Pagliaro - board member at large
Beth Kelm - Book Cellar manager
Friends of the Library meetings are held in the Library's Copernicus Room on the second Monday of each month at 11 a.m.
Activities
From Thursday through Saturday of each week, members of the Friends volunteer to operate and staff the Book Celler. From Monday through Wednesday, staffing is provided through the Pathstone program.
Over the years, donations from the Friends have supported many Library programs and staff development activities. The Friends have helped with the purchase of books and Kindles as well.
Likewise, the Friends have contributed toward a variety of capital improvements. These include the automated doors at the side of the building, the sprinkler and security systems, and furniture.
Friend of the Year
The Evelyn Marburger Award Friend of the Year Honorees presented by the Board of Trustees to the "friend" who has exemplified the meaning of friend:
2013 Evelyn Marburger
2014 Vicki Francis
2015 Beth Kelm
2016 Marianne Hooker
2017 Beverly Gocal
2018 Judith Duda
2019 Jody Greene
2020 Patricia Bernard
2021 Carol Colaizzi and Mitch Olszak
The Book Cellar
Book Cellar hours:
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Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
News: The library's elevator may be down but the Book Cellar is still open in a scaled-down version on the first floor.
Also, the library is not accepting donations at this time due to space limitations. We're sorry for the inconvenience.
The Book Cellar offers a wide selection of gently used books at a price everyone can afford. Looking for a last minute gift? The Book Cellar also carries a selection of gift items suitable for all ages.
Friends of the Library members volunteer their time to operate and staff The Book Cellar. All proceeds are used to support and expand the services and resources at the New Castle Public Library.
Book Cellar Phone:
724-658-6659, ext. 131