Newsletter I May 2026

President's Message

As I pass the gavel to the next FOL president, Kelli Delozier, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for an incredible year. This year has been truly amazing, and it would not have been possible without the support of everyone who contributed—whether through membership, fundraisers, meetings, book alcove donations, or volunteering.

Because of YOU, Friends of the Library supported the Rockwall County Library with $36,874.00 in funds for the 2026-2027 year. Thank you for making this year so special!

Looking ahead, I am excited for all that the new board has in store. They are already hard at work planning engaging programs and events for 2026-2027. If you are interested in joining a committee, please see the link below. We look forward to seeing you in September.

Lesli Y. Johnson

President, 2025-2026

May Meeting Success!

The May Luncheon offered an inspiring and heartfelt afternoon as attendees heard from Jason Morgan, who shared his powerful journey of resilience after a military accident left him paralyzed. Jason spoke a powerful message on the strength of the human spirit and the life-changing impact of service animals. Guests enjoyed a patriotic theme with sliders, hot dogs, and puppy chow by Ana's Catering. Special

Thanks to our hospitality committee for their tireless dedication and support.

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

COMMITTEES for 2026-2027

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please fill out this form by JUNE 1st.

FOL COMMITTEE INTEREST FORM

Programs for the five meetings to include setup and take down, Audio-Visual support, and registration.

Fundraising and Special Events to include raffle item procurement, food and refreshments for events, registration for events, decorations, setup and take down, and Audio-Visual support. Spring and Fall fundraisers, along with the Christmas Luncheon Committee.

Business Membership to include Soliciting and Fostering relationships with Business Members, Recognition at the April meeting.

Membership to include Directory assistance, Soliciting Members for renewal, Name Tag management

Communications to include assistance with Photography, Canva, Constant Contact, and Social Media.

*See interest form for additional committees per the FOL Standing Rules.

2026 Hartman Award Recipient

Carrie Pickell

Since 2022, Carrie has served in several board roles, including President-Elect, President, and 5th VP Communications. She is grateful for the opportunity to support efforts to streamline communications and processes, and to help strengthen the FOL brand—always mindful that these accomplishments reflect the dedication and teamwork of the entire board. She has also worked alongside her colleagues to expand membership and elevate the Friends of the Library's presence and engagement in the community.

Carrie truly values her Library FRIENDS and is always eager to share her appreciation for the Rockwall County Library with everyone she meets.

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 Annual Membership Drive will begin in Fall 2026.

Name tag orders placed by August 15th will be distributed at the September meeting. Go to the FOL website under the Events tab to order.

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

Friends Book Club

The Friends Book Club meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 9:30 at the library. Contact Susan Boone or Gale Luiz for more information at FriendsRockwallCountyLibrary@gmail.com, subject line "FOL 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.

SUMMER READING CLUB

Get ready to dig into adventure, discovery, and imagination—our 2026 Summer Reading Club, Unearth a Story, kicks off on June 1! 🦖📚

Summer Reading Club is for all ages—children, teens, and adults—so everyone can join in the fun. Be sure to stop by our Kickoff Event on Monday, June 1 from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, and don’t miss the start of storytimes and other Summer Reading Club programs beginning Monday, June 8.

Rockwall County Library Website