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Friends of the Library thank county for funding, cite rising program use
Summary
Representatives of the Friends of the Library thanked the Henderson County Commissioners Court for core funding and presented 2024 usage statistics showing thousands of visits, hundreds of programs and ongoing outreach across the county.
Kathy Schrader, speaking for the Friends of the Library, told the Henderson County Commissioners Court the nonprofit’s role is to supplement the county’s core funding for library programming, materials and outreach.
"We are so thankful for your commitment to the residents of our county by providing these essential library services," Schrader said. She reported that in 2024 the library circulated roughly 34,000 physical books, ran 542 programs, issued 625 new library cards and provided free internet with eight public computers. The Friends said volunteers logged more than 500 hours to support library programs.
Schrader said most operating costs — including staff salaries and building upkeep — are covered by the county, while the Friends, city grants and donations support programming, subscriptions and additional books. Commissioners and other presenters noted partnerships with local schools and literacy programs, including a local effort tied to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The group presented gift bags to the court and invited commissioners to library events; the county judge and commissioners thanked the Friends for their volunteer support and outreach to children and county residents. No formal county action was requested or taken on the presentation.
