The Cortland Free Library (CFL) has always been more than a building. It’s a place of discovery, connection, learning, and community.
Now, we’re inviting you to help shape the CFL’s future ― as we reconstitute and revitalize our independent Friends of the Cortland Free Library organization (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). More specifically, we’re looking for community members who care deeply about books, literacy, programming, lifelong learning, and the immense value the CFL provides to its chartered service area, which is comprised of Cortland, the Town of Cortlandville, and Town of Virgil.
Why become a Friend?
Simply put, you should become a member of the CFL Friends group because you love the CFL. Because you believe in free access to information. And because you know ― and feel passionately ― that strong libraries build strong communities.
You should also be on the team because:
- As much as our taxpayer funding, grants, and interest from our hard-earned endowment generate most of the funds we need to keep our doors open, our staff competitively compensated, and our collections and programming strong, we still have unmet financial needs.
- The library itself is, by and large, prohibited from direct and continuous fundraising on our own.
Established for the expressed purpose of generating additional dollars ― and made up of committed members (like you!) ― a fully-functioning and thriving Friends group will play a vital role in supporting programs, enhancing services, and helping ensure our library continues to thrive for generations to come.
Who should join the Friends?
The Friends group is well-suited for retirees, lifelong readers and learners, community advocates, parents, educators, and professionals of all ages and backgrounds. The group is also a great place for both newly arrived residents (who want to dial into Cortland!) ― and long-time residents who treasure our 100+ year-old library, place a premium on civic engagement, or enjoy rolling up their sleeves to help sustain one of our community’s (and our nation’s) vital public institutions.
What will the Friends do?
The Friends of the CFL will chiefly focus on:
·Fundraising ― which, in turn, supports library’s programs, collections, and special initiatives.
- Fundraising activities will likely include book sales, an annual appeal via mailings/social media, among other efforts yet to be determined.
- Volunteering may include helping the library arrange speaking engagements, host and promote events, and other activities.
- Advocacy, because Friends will join the CFL Board of Trustees and the Library’s staff as champions for the library ― spreading the word about its value and helping ensure continued public support.
Join Us this Spring for an Informational Meeting
Those interested in joining and re-energizing the Friends of the CFL are invited to attend and participate in an organizing meeting this Spring.
- When: Monday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.
- Where: Cortland Free Library
- RSVP: To express interest & reserve your seat for this meeting, click here to complete our Google Form or use the QR code below. You can also download our flyer here.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to help the library more!” ― this is your opportunity. Let’s work together to ensure our library continues to inspire readers, support learners, and serve as the heart of our community.
