The Adams County Library System (ACLS) will be thanking its Friends of the Library groups the week of October 15-21, 2023, as part of the 18th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. The Adams County Library System depends upon the support of all of our Friends!  

The Friends raise money that enables our library to move from good to great -- providing resources for the operations of the library, including such services as free access to high-speed internet, library materials, and programming events throughout the year.

The Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services.  

The fundraising and advocacy work of the Friends highlight, on an ongoing basis, the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community, providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to present. 

There are four Friends groups supporting the Adams County Library System:  

The Friends of the Adams County Library supports the operations of all branches of the ACLS. This group operates the Friends Used Book Store in the Gettysburg branch library and online and holds an annual Used Book Sale Bonanza every summer. Their fall luncheon is on November 12 and features a program about Mary Jemison by the Ladies of History. Purchase your ticket at the Friends Book Store in Gettysburg. Click here to shop the online bookstore.

Friends of the Trone Memorial Library raise funds for the operation of the Jean Barnett Trone Library in East Berlin. Along with memberships, they raise funds through the operation of a used book store in the Trone Library.

The Friends of the Littlestown Library support the Littlestown Library branch. They have several fundraisers each year, including a used book sale in April and two soup sales. The fall soup sale is ongoing – place your order for homemade beef vegetable and chicken corn soup by calling the Littlestown Library! 717-359-0446

The Friends of the New Oxford Library supports the operations of the New Oxford branch. Their fundraising includes membership, sponsoring a food truck at the annual Book Sale Bonanza and several dine out opportunities at local restaurants. Their fall “paint night” fundraiser is Sunday, October 15. There may be seats available, register at www.thecolormixer.com.

The Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community. Please visit www.adamslibrary.org/support-library/friends-library to learn more about the Friends groups and to find out how to become a member.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united.

Laura Goss, Executive Director