Newsletter I April 2026

President's Message


If you’ve spent any time in our library lately, you already know, there’s something special happening there.

It’s not just a place to check out books. It’s where kids discover stories they can’t put down, where friendships are formed over shared interests, and where our community shows up, day after day.  


Recently, the Rockwall County Library Advisory Board presented the results of a community survey to the Commissioners Court. The message from our residents was clear and consistent. They love their library, they use it often, and it plays an important role in their daily lives. And their request was simple.


They want more.

More books.

More programs.

More resources for families, children, and lifelong learners.


That is where the Friends of the Library step in.

We are proud to be the “more” our library needs. Through memberships, donations, and volunteer efforts, we help expand what is possible. We support the programs that inspire young readers, the resources that serve our growing community, and the experiences that make our library a place people return to again and again.


If you have ever attended a program, picked up a book from the Book Alcove and made a donation, or simply enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of our library, you have seen the impact firsthand.


As we move into this busy and exciting season, I invite you to continue being part of that impact. Whether through membership, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission with others, you play an important role in helping us provide the “more” our community is asking for.



Thank you for your continued support and for believing in the power of our library.


Lesli Y. Johnson

President, 2025-2026


May Annual Meeting -

Jason Morgan, A Dog Called Hope


Our May guest speaker is Jason Morgan, author and former Air Force Weather Specialist with the elite Night Stalkers. Critically wounded on a mission in Central America, Jason’s recovery involved months in a military hospital, numerous surgeries, and overcoming loss and hardship. At his lowest, a service dog named Napal helped him rediscover hope, reconnect with his family, and find new purpose. Jason’s journey is detailed in his book, A Dog Called Hope, which will be available for signing at the event. Lunch provided by Ana's Catering.

April Meeting Success!


The sold-out April meeting proved both entertaining and enlightening. Attendees enjoyed an engaging talk by Holly Stevens, complemented by FOL member Charles Williams delighting the crowd with his spirited recitation of Cowboy Poems. Ana's Catering provided a delicious meal, capped off with a memorable peach cobbler for dessert.


The slate for the FOL Board was approved by unanimous vote. New officers will be installed at the May meeting, officially beginning their terms on June 1st. Our 2026 Business Members were also honored and presented with commemorative plaques as a token of appreciation for their valued support.

A member directory has been published based on Individual and Business memberships as of December 31, 2025 for the 2026 calendar year and is available to members.


The 2027 Membership Drive will begin in Fall 2026.

If you have questions about Membership, please email friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com.



School Librarian Appreciation Reception



The Friends of the Library will host a special reception honoring the school librarians of Rockwall and Royse City ISD on Thursday, April 24th. The respective librarians and their principals, along with the superintendents, will enjoy refreshments generously provided by Tom Thumb North and beautiful floral arrangements from The Flower Box. Each librarian will also receive a thoughtfully curated book selection from the Book Alcove, thanks to Lynn Fate.


The Friends of the Library are honored to host this reception and recognize the invaluable contributions of our school librarians, who provide essential resources and a welcoming space for the children of Rockwall County.

National Library Week, April 19-26th


 Find Your Joy at the Rockwall County Library! 


Join us as we celebrate National Library Week from April 19–25, 2026—a time to recognize all the ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.


Stop by the Rockwall County Library throughout the week for fun pop-up activities—there’s always something new to discover!


  •  Come to the children’s area to make your own bookmark
  •  Design a new cover for a book that brings you joy
  •  Take a “shelfie” and strike a pose with your favorite read
  •  Book Bedazzling on Thursday, April 23 from 5:30–7:30 PM in the Large Meeting Room (register by calling 972-204-7770)


Come celebrate with us and find your joy at the library! 

New Citizens Celebration


On Saturday, April 18, 2026, New Citizen Certificates and other gifts were presented to members of our community who recently became U.S. citizens.


The Rockwall County Library Adult Literacy Center offers free U.S. citizenship preparation classes for adults seeking to learn English, improve literacy, and prepare for the citizenship exam.


If you’re planning to attend an upcoming class, check the library’s website or call ahead to confirm class availability and the materials needed for the citizenship exam.


The program welcomes volunteers to assist with tutoring. No teaching experience is required; free training is provided.


Rockwall County Library Website:

https://rockwallcountytexas.com/146/Library

2026-2027 Friends of the Library Board - Slate Approved


President - Kelli Delozier

President Elect - Leigh Wilcoxson

1st VP's Programs- Kathleen Evans and Stacy Massar

2nd VP Fundraising – Mary Grace Frasier

3rd VP's Membership - Jen Lewis and Susan Sisto

4th VP's Business Membership - Darlene Reed, Laura Robison-Houser, and Eva Hummel

5th VP's Communications - Carrie Pickell and Lauren Milam

Secretary - Lea Carlson

Treasurer- Lesli Johnson

Parliamentarian - Leigh Plagens

Friends Book Club


The Friends Book Club meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 9:30 at the library. Contact Joan Wells or Gloria Daniels for more information at FriendsRockwallCountyLibrary@gmail.com, subject line "BOOK CLUB."


Book Alcove


The Book Alcove houses gently used media available for a suggested donation and is a substantial fundraiser for the Friends of the Library. Managed by volunteer, Lynn Fate and her team, it is accessible every day the library is open.


Suggested donations are collected and used for library programs. The selection is ever changing, come take a look and bring some books to donate too.


NEW Library Hours:

Monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday - Closed


Rockwall County Library website

Follow the Rockwall County Library on Social Media to stay current on all programs offered. @rockwallcotxlibrary

Friends of the Library is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County to offer homebound clients books through the Book Alcove. Lynn Fate manages this program and carefully selects books per genre or title requests and they are delivered each month with meal delivery. Donations matter. Keep this in mind as you clean out your collections.


*Fiction titles and large print books are in demand for this program. If you have any to donate, please take to the Library and mark them as "Meals on Wheels." They can be left with the Circulation Desk.

2025-2026 Friends of the Library Board

President - Lesli Johnson

President Elect - Kelli Delozier

1st VP Programs - Kathleen Evans

2nd VP's Fundraising and Special Events - Leigh Wilcoxson and Shannon Wilson

3rd VP's Membership - Jen Lewis and Susan Sisto

4th VP Business Membership - Darlene Reed and Laura Robison-Houser

5th VP Communication - Carrie Pickell

Secretary - Lea Carlson

Treasurer - Nancy Barnett

Parliamentarian - Kathleen Broze


Friends of the Library | www.friendsrockwall.com

friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com

P.O. Box 1371, Rockwall TX 75087

See what's happening on our social sites:

Facebook  Instagram

@friendsrockwall @rockwallcotxlibrary