WESTFIELD-The fall membership campaign is underway by the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum as well as a call out for volunteers, according to Bill Westerlind, president.
“We are hoping to tap into people’s skills, talents and passions to help us make the Westfield Athenaeum even better,” said Westerlind. “We keep the time commitments minimal and group interactions fun.”
Westerlind noted that volunteer roles can range from becoming a board member to assisting with social media communications.
“If music or art are your passions we would also welcome help with our musical and cultural events,” said Westerlind, adding that high school and college students who are seeking involvement in community service projects are encouraged to join the organization.
Westerlind encourages prospective members to attend the annual meeting of the Friends group on Sept. 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Athenaeum’s Whitney Study. A reception with light refreshments begins at 6:30.
“We welcome and encourage one’s creativity, insights and membership,” he said.
Bill Westerlind, president of the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum, and Daniel Paquette, Athenaeum director, encourage donations of toys and books for a November fundraiser.
The Friends group will also conduct its popular Children’s Toy & Book Sale starting with a special Friends preview night on Nov. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Old Carson Center at the First Congregational Church on the Green. All proceeds from the sale support programs and services of the Athenaeum. The sale will open to the public on Nov. 17 from 12 to 8 p.m., and continue on Nov. 18 from 12 to 9 p.m., Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Donations of children’s books and toys (no stuffed animals) in good, clean condition appropriate for re-sale can be dropped off at the Athenaeum during regular library hours on Nov. 12, 14, 15 and 16.
Persons wishing to make donations may also call the library at (413) 568-7833 to make alternative arrangements with a member of the Friends group.
“We have flexible hours to drop off donations,” said Westerlind.
Westerlind also acknowledged that the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum will be participating in the National Day of Giving on Nov. 29.
“Your membership and generous donations are so critically important to the vitality and diversity of the free programs and services offered by the Athenaeum,” he said, noting the Friends group supports the adult and children summer reading programs, the free and discounted museum pass program, First Thursday Concerts, computer and new technology access, and the Boys & Girls Building Blocks Club and reading clubs, among other programs.
“We strive to ensure the Athenaeum is relevant in the digital age,” he added.
For more information on the Friends group, visit www.westath.org.
