Friends of Alma Library report record attendance, $10,781 book‑sale proceeds and plans for adult programming

Susan Hunter, chair of the Alma Library Friends, gave a short presentation to the Alma City Commission highlighting the group's events and fundraising results and asked commissioners to note the group's upcoming open‑house event and ongoing support for library programming.

Hunter said the group's 2024 open house drew more than 400 attendees and that the most recent used‑book sale raised $10,781, about $2,000 more than the prior year; she credited a donation of vintage comic books for boosting revenue and attendance. The Friends combined book‑sale proceeds and memorial donations to buy two book carousels and used other funds to purchase six wingback chairs and side tables for public areas of the library.

The Friends have launched a website at almalibraryfriends.org and maintain a Facebook page to publicize events and accept donations, Hunter said. She outlined adult‑oriented programming the group has supported, including a chair‑fitness class and a wine‑tasting event, and noted a four‑part technology class for seniors covering online privacy, artificial intelligence, scam prevention and smartphone tips.

The group is accepting donations of gently used books, DVDs, puzzles, games and comic books and will present a short film and host an open house later this spring; the Friends encouraged commissioners to attend. Hunter closed by thanking the community and commissioners for support.

The commission received the presentation and several commissioners thanked Hunter and the Friends for their support of the library.

"We appreciate the Friends and the support they bring to the library," one commissioner said.