REGION — October 21 to 28 marks the 13th annual National Friends of Libraries Week. A letter from the staff and trustees of the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL) notes some of the enormous benefits of these groups. (For full letter, visit “Opinion” at www.riverreporter.com). It says in part, “Established in 2013, our Friends of the Library group has raised funds to help the library purchase new furniture and fund technology upgrades. Most recently an ambitious and enthusiastic “Feel the Heat” campaign raised funds to replace failing boilers in our Callicoon branch... Members of our Friends Group are tireless advocates for our library and the very idea of libraries. They share a fundamental belief that libraries are the cornerstone of our communities and essential to our democracy.”

The group is always looking for new members. In Sullivan, visit Friends of the WSPL on Facebook, email catherinescott17hotmail.com, or pick up a brochure at any WSPL branch.