Note: This is a text-only HTML version of the Friends of the Lowell Public Library Brochure and Member Application. Important images are described in parentheses. You can also view a printable Friends of the Library Brochure and Membership Application PDF.
Join the Friends of Lowell Public Library
Your passion for reading and community can make a difference!
Support. Volunteer. Connect.
About the Friends
The Friends of the Lowell Public Library, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created to support and enhance the Lowell Public Library and the Schneider and Shelby branch libraries.
Membership is open to all who support the aims and purposes of the Friends of the Lowell Public Library. New members are always welcome! Sit in on a meeting and find out how the Friends support our libraries.
(Picture of Friends of the Library members smiling and holding books and items from the Scholastic book fair.)
FRIENDS as an Acronym
F—FOUNDED in 1973 by Alice VanNada.
R—RESIDENTS pledging their time, interest and enthusiasm to support our library.
I—INVOLVED in fundraising to expand and enrich library programs.
E—ENCOURAGE community participation in Children’s, Teen, Adult and Senior programs at all three locations.
N—NURTURE and co-sponsor programs such as Santa Story Time and the Student Art Exhibit.
D—DONATE to the library for community programs.
S—STRIVE to make our Friends group the most welcoming and active in all of Lake County.
Why Join?
Your membership supports:
- Programs for all ages.
- Community engagement.
- Literacy and lifelong learning.
- Special library purchases not included in library funding.
Meet like-minded neighbors, share your skills, and enjoy social events throughout the year.
Member Bonus: Choose 1 Free Book from the Book Sale when you join or renew!
When you become a Friend, you’re helping our library thrive – and joining a circle of people who care.
Meetings
Meetings are typically held at the library, the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
(Picture of Friends of the Library members sitting at tables for a meeting.)
Social Events
We have fun, too!
Several meetings are combined with a social event.
- March – we enjoy a dinner out.
- August – a picnic at the park.
- December – tree trimming and holiday party with a potluck dinner.
Newcomers are always welcome to any social event or meeting.
(Picture of Friends members decorating the Christmas tree at the library.)
Fundraising Events
The Friends sponsor many fundraisers for our libraries.
- Ongoing Fundraiser includes selling tote bags, flash drives, earbuds, and ornaments decorated with an image of the Lowell library.
- Ongoing Book Sale includes books, magazines, audio books, music CDs and DVDs.
- $3 Bag Sale is held on the last Saturday of each month for books and magazines.
The Friends also organize Special Annual Events throughout the year …
- Spring Rummage Sale in April is a much anticipated and successful event.
- Student Art Exhibit Reception in May honoring artists from local schools.
- NatureFest in September is a fun event with nature minded vendors. Learn, Shop and Discover!
(Pictures of:
- Friends members running the Rummage Sale.
- Friends members serving punch to drink at the Art Exhibit Reception.
- A vendor’s booth at NatureFest.
- An entrance to the Lowell Public Library’s Nature Trail.
- Friends members planting a native flower garden on the library grounds.)
Membership Application
Become an active member! Volunteer when available, promote events, help at sales, or consider serving as an officer.
Join us today! Simply fill out the short application and pay your annual dues.
A minimum annual donation of $5 secures your membership—but if you’d like to give more, your generosity helps us do even more for the library.
Application Form Fields and Information
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Select whether this is a New Member application or a Renewal.
I would like to (Check all that apply):
- Volunteer when I am available.
- Help with book or rummage sales.
- Receive email updates.
- Receive text updates.
- Learn about officer or committee roles.
Annual Membership: January–December.
Dues are payable in January for renewing members.
Turn in your application at the front desk, or mail to:
Friends of the Lowell Public Library c/o Lowell Public Library
1505 Commercial Ave.
Lowell, IN 46356
Thank you for supporting your library!
Lowell Public Library System Locations
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
― Garrison Keillor
(Picture of an open book with a light bulb, depicting knowledge and learning.)
Lowell Public Library
1505 E Commercial Ave
Lowell IN 46376
219.696.7704
Schneider Public Library
24002 Parrish Ave
Schneider IN 56376
219.552.1000
SHELBY PUBLIC LIBRARY
23323 Shelby Rd
Mail: PO Box 237
Shelby, IN 46377
219.552.0809
Friends Webpage
This information and more can also be found on our Friends Webpage.