Friends of Kothe Library celebrates 10 years

​The Friends of the Kothe Memorial Library held their first informal meeting on Sept. 4, 2012 for the purpose of organizing a group of people to aid the Library and help to promote the services of the library within the community.

The founding members were Kay Swanson, Kathy Needham, Marty Stahl, Sandy Dannenbring and Janet Johnson. Our first project was called "My Pumpkin is in the patch at the Library."  Businesses and individuals were given a plastic pumpkin to decorate and bring it back to the Library for judging.  We had 14 decorated pumpkins. Our first community event was the Chamber’s “Cookie Walk” – we made 150 pecan tassies!

In the 10 years since that first informal meeting, the Friends of the Library has sponsored many programs and events. Most recently we have bi-annual book sales, Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, a Build-A-Bear event with the Chamber and sponsored books for children at Easter and Halloween. The Friends also volunteer at programs and sponsor many adult programs, such as the upcoming Charcuterie Class & an Evening with Edgar Allen Poe with Storyteller, Darrin Crow. A logo was developed in 2020 and within donated books and at programs the logo will be displayed.

We welcome new members and encourage all members to join us on the Second Tuesday of the Month at 9:00 a.m. in the library.  Consider this your invitation to join us for the next 10 years to make our library a prominent part of the Parkersburg community.  Also, don’t forget to stop by Brothers and “Round-Up” to support the Friends of the Kothe Memorial Library during the month of September.