Newsletter I AUGUST 2024

President's Message

Happy Summer!

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you as the new President of the Friends of the Rockwall County Library. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me and thrilled to embark on this journey together as we navigate the exciting year ahead.


As we turn the page to this new chapter, I am filled with anticipation for the boundless opportunities and adventures awaiting us. Our theme for the year, "Turning the Page," encapsulates the spirit of growth, renewal, and progress. It symbolizes our collective commitment to embracing the past, exploring new horizons, and shaping the future of our beloved Rockwall County Library.


I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a team of dedicated and passionate individuals who make up our fabulous board members. Together, we will work to enrich the cultural tapestry of our community through our various initiatives, programs, and fundraisers. There are some EXCITING things already planned that you will not want to miss!


In the coming months, we will embark on exciting endeavors aimed at enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of our library services, engaging patrons of all ages, and building ‘FRIEND’ships in the Rockwall community. There will be no shortage of opportunities for us to come together and make a meaningful difference.



I am eager to collaborate with each of you, drawing upon your unique talents, insights, and perspectives to achieve our shared goals. Your unwavering support and dedication are the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident that together, we will write a remarkable story of growth, innovation, and community impact.

Each month, I’ll share quotes from some of my favorite books…while hoping you are enjoying whatever page YOU are turning!


All the best,

Kathleen



“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”


. - Atticus Finch, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Memberships may be paid online by clicking below or at any of the Friends meetings.

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

Click here to join NOW for the 2025 year!
Click here to buy Tickets for September and October Meetings/Speakers

SEPTEMBER 10 FOL MEETING with Lunch & speaker/Author Dave Lieber

OCTOBER 8 FOL Meeting with Lunch & speaker/Author Judy Gaman

November 12 FOL FALL FUNDRAISER

December 10 FOL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

February 11 FOL Meeting with Lunch & Speaker/Author Paul Box

March 11 FOL SPRING Fundraiser

April 8 FOL Meeting with Lunch & Speaker/Author Samantha Horwitz

May 13 FOL Annual Meeting with Lunch & Rebecca Blackwood, Dallas Book Reviewers

Name Tags for Members!


Magnetic Name Tags are available for members for $7.00. Click button below to order.

Nametags are plastic with a magnetic backing. Paper stick on nametags will always be available at Friends meetings.

Click Here and scroll to end of events page to order a Name Tag

Book Discussion Groups


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



paper_cutout_kids_reading.jpg

2024 Summer Reading Program Stats!


2039 attended CHILDREN SUMMER Programs

55 Babies for 'Read to me' Program

323 attended TEEN Summer Programs

182 attended ADULT Summer Programs


Literacy Center


The Adult Literacy Program has convenient class schedules, including weekend mornings and select evening classes. Tutors are local volunteers and there are no fees for the program classes. There is a small fee for books.


If you have any interest in volunteering as a tutor, please contact the Literacy Center at (972) 204-7705.



2023 Statistics:


897 Class meetings held:

Citizenship - 118

ESL - 632

GED - 144

Literacy - 12


326 Students

37 Volunteers

3,684 Volunteer Hours

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.

Friends of the Library is proud to partner with Meals on Wheels Senior Services 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.


We were saddened to learn of the deaths of Friends members,

Tana Daniels, and Carol Cease.


Sympathy cards have been sent from Friends of the Library. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to their families.



2024-2025 Friends of the Library Board

President - Kathleen Evans

President Elect - Lesli Johnson

1st VP Programs - Joy Hosey

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

5th VP Communication - Carrie Pickell

Secretary - Lea Carlson

Treasurer - Karen Frederick

Parliamentarian - Kathleen Broze

left - right: Kathleen E., Lesli, Joy, Leigh, Lea, Darlene, Karen, Carrie, Jen, Shannon, Kathleen B., Susan


Friends of the Library | www.friendsrockwall.com

friendsrockwallcountylibrary@gmail.com

See what's happening on our social sites:

Facebook  Instagram

@friendsrockwall @rockwallcotxlibrary