Newsletter | October 2025 | |
|
President's Message
The Friends of the Rockwall County Library gathered this month for our second luncheon of the year, and what a wonderful program it was! The room was filled with energy, laughter, and the shared spirit of our theme, “A New Chapter Begins.”
We were delighted to welcome Rockwall’s own Courtney Warren, nationally recognized interior designer and author, who inspired us with her amazing holiday decorating program. Her creativity and warmth reminded us that beauty can be found in every season and that a few thoughtful touches can turn any space into something magical.
As we move into fall, we also look forward to celebrating Friends of the Library Week, which takes place October 19–25. This special week is set aside to honor all those who champion libraries: our members, volunteers, and supporters who help make everything we do possible. Whether it’s through your time, your donations, or your enthusiasm, you are the reason the Friends continue to grow and thrive.
Our library remains a cornerstone of the Rockwall community, a place where learning, creativity, and connection flourish. Thank you for being part of this story and for helping us turn every new chapter into something extraordinary.
Together, let’s continue to celebrate, support, and share the joy of our library!
Thank you,
Lesli Y. Johnson
2025-2026 President
Friends of the Rockwall County Library
| | | | | National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united. | | |
FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP
Our fall membership campaign is underway! We urge all our members to renew today and, if you can, consider increasing your membership donation. Every dollar goes to fund our library's programs and services.
Thank you for being a Friend.
- New and Renewed Memberships for 2026 are open now through December 31st.
- Memberships obtained between now and the end of the year will be represented in the 2026 Membership Directory and on the 2026 Business Membership printed materials. The directory and the 2026 Business Membership Poster will be available and displayed at the February meeting.
- Renewal Invoices will be emailed to Business Members in September.
-
Questions about membership should be sent to friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com with "membership" in the subject line.
Membership in Friends of the Library is a large part of our fundraising for the Rockwall County Library.
*Our goal this year is $10,000 in Membership (Business and Individual combined) revenue for 2026! Consider joining or increasing your current level of membership.
There is always something GOOD happening at the library. 📚
*Funding from Friends of the Library (FOL) applies to programs and capital improvements as determined by the funding source and as approved by the FOL board. Per our bylaws and 501(c)(3) status, FOL does not fund the Rockwall County Library's operational expenses.
| Thank you to our New and Renewed Business & Individual members to date! | |
| |
| |
Don’t delay getting your ticket for Tuesday, November 18th! *Only a few seats remaining!
$30 ticket includes:
Lunch - Melissa Tate of Tate Farms
Fashion Show by local shops!
Emceed by influencer KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms
Multiple Raffle Items!
All proceeds go directly to the Rockwall County Library Programs.
| | | *If you have an item(s) to consider for the 'Gather with Friends' raffle, please contact Leigh Wilcoxson. | |
Annual Christmas Luncheon
Thank you to the table hostesses who committed to the 2026 Christmas Luncheon! We are at maximum capacity for The Center. The tables are all reserved, and guest lists and payments are due by November 1st.
Once you have contacted Susan and secured a reservation, mail your check
made payable to Friends of the Library to:
Susan Egan
501 Sunset Hill Drive
Rockwall, TX 75087
For table hostess information, contact Edie Zehr at txediez@aol.com or
972 310-0322.
If you would like to buy raffle tickets for the bracelet before the luncheon, contact Darlene Reed at aggymom@sbcglobal.net.
| | | | |
| | |
October Meeting
The October Meeting was a sell-out! Courtney Warren, interior designer and author, delivered an entertaining and informative presentation focusing on the holidays! Thanks to Ana's Catering for delivering a fall inspired menu and the hospitality committee for providing warm and welcoming fall decor!
Courtney Warren Home Website
| | | | Save these Dates for SPRING 2026 - Tickets will be available closer to the respective dates. | | |
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.
| | |
| |
Voting Location Change
The polling location, previously located at the Rockwall County Library, has relocated to the Multipurpose Room, Suite 160, at the Rockwall County Courthouse Annex, situated at 1101 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, Rockwall, TX 75087.
Please get in touch with the Rockwall County Elections Office at (972) 204-6200 should you have any questions regarding your voter registration.
Click for more information about Rockwall County Elections 2025
| | | | | | |
Library Hours:
Monday 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Friday 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday - Closed
Rockwall County Library website
| |
Literacy Center
The Adult Literacy Program Library office is in the foyer of the Rockwall County Library. The Program provides classes for GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Citizenship, and basic literacy. Classes take place six days a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the strong support of our community partner, First United Methodist Church of Rockwall.
If you are interested in being a tutor or other volunteer support staff member, contact Nancy Goodsell at 972-204-7705 or email ngoodsell@rockwallcountytexas.com. It is not necessary to be fluent in a foreign language.
| | | |
Book Alcove
The Book Alcove is accepting book donations 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.
FICTION TITLES ARE ALWAYS IN DEMAND!
*Books should be in GOOD condition.
| |
| 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. They are delivered each month with meal delivery for the residents to keep for their personal libraries or recycle back to the Book Alcove. The sustainability of this program relies on your book donations. Keep this in mind as you clean out your collections. Fiction titles and large print books are always in demand. | |
|
|
|
Library Advisory Board
Rockwall County Library Advisory Board was created by the Commissioners Court in 1951 for the sole purpose of fostering the Rockwall County Library by encouraging its development, recommending to the Court policies and programs; reviewing the annual needs of the Library prior to the submission of the budget to the Court; and cooperating with all other public and private groups in advancing the interest of the Library.
The Board consists of 2 members from each Commissioner's precinct and 1 member at large selected by the County Judge. Members serve voluntarily for a period of two years and may be reappointed for 2 more years.
Library Advisory Board
| | | | 2025-2026 Friends of the Library Board | | left - right: Marcine McCulley, Library Director; Carrie Pickell, 5th VP Communications; Kathleen Evans, 1st VP Programs; Kelli Delozier, President Elect; Lea Carlson, Secretary; Kathleen Broze, Parliamentarian; Darlene Reed,Co 4th VP Business Membership; Shannon Wilson, Co 2nd VP Fundraising and Special Events; Nancy Barnett, Treasurer; Jen Lewis, Co 3rd VP Membership; Laura Robison-Houser, Co 4th VP Business Membership; Leigh Wilcoxson, Co 2nd VP Fundraising and Special Events; Lesli Johnson, President. Not pictured: Susan Sisto, Co 3rd VP Membership | | See what's happening on our social sites: | | @friendsrockwall @rockwallcotxlibrary | | | | |
