Between Friends

Friends of the Adams County Library System - Sept. 2025

Redding Auction Services, Thank You for Your Support!

Redding Auction Services has supported the FOL Annual Book Sale by storing books, providing the sale site, and moving books from storage to the sale site for many years. Considering that we sold more than 40,000 books in July, that is a lot of help!

In recognition of their support, Friends of the Library presented Redding Auction Services with a library sponsorship this year. As Linda Joswick noted in her letter above, we couldn't have a book sale without Redding.

"We are delighted to continue helping the Friends of the Library with their book sale. It is a well-run organization that benefits all of us. Redding Auction Services believes in giving back to the community," noted Cole Redding. It was his grandfather, David, who first provided space and assistance, which his father, Pat, carried on until Cole took over.

Don't Miss Breakfast with Friends!

Please join the Friends of the Adams County Library at the Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville on Tuesday, November 11, for Breakfast with Friends, our thank you for your year-round support. The morning will begin at 9 am with a continental breakfast, followed by a guest speaker and the annual meeting.

The guest speaker, Ross Hetrick, is known in Adams County as an ardent scholar of Thaddeus Stevens and president and founder of the Thaddeus Stevens Society, which includes the Thaddeus Stevens Museum of Gettysburg. We are happy to have him present a first-person portrayal of Stevens.

Following his presentation, Friends President Linda Joswick and ACLS Executive Director Miranda Wisor will fill us in on Friends' and library activities. We will also vote on proposed bylaws.

Bet You Didn't Know...

That the Friends of the Library is giving away gift certificates. To win one, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Bluesky and respond to one of our quizzes. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Your participation helps us support the library!

Thank You to Our Dedicated Garage Volunteers!

It's a dusty duty, and often too hot or too cold, but these dedicated volunteers spend hours in the library's garage sorting books. We're raising our voices to say Thank You!!! Without them, we would not have a bookstore or a book sale.

Left to Right: Sue Kiehl, Lynette Demarest, Barb Holland, Marti Riley, Joann Prehn, Maryann & Ken Oelkers, Catharine Roth, Gretchen Smith. These regular volunteers were unable to be present for the photo: Spencer Waldron, Cheri McBean, Dean Norwich, Nancy Smith, Tom Reed, Diane Rebert, and Josh Warcup.

Friends Has a New Bookstore Manager and Treasurer

Rose Thornberry is the new volunteer bookstore manager for the Friends of the Adams County Library. She has lived in Adams County for eight years and is excited about supporting the library.

Lena Showers-Lewis recently volunteered to take over the Friends' treasurer duties. She was born and raised in Adams County and has volunteered with other organizations over the years, but she is new to the Friends.

Meet Our New Treasurer

What do you do as treasurer?

I keep track of the money Friends brings in and spends, balance the books, create financial reports, and help with the annual budget and the book sale. I helped for just a short time at this year's book sale and was amazed by the number of volunteers, all working hard to make the major fundraising effort a success. 

Why did you want to volunteer for the Friends of the Adams County Library?

The library does so much for the community. I noticed a post that a treasurer was needed and decided to reach out to see if I could give back in some small way. 

What do you love most about libraries?

First, access to so many books for a range of interests, as well as the programs our local branches offer. Our family has enjoyed many of those. I also appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, locally and in other libraries that I've visited. 

What is your favorite book? Or your favorite author or your favorite genre...

I enjoy historical fiction, alternate reality, gothic fantasy, comedy, "book club" picks, and more. Right now I'm reading Not Quite by the Book by Julie Hatcher, a book about books. I just finished The Fire and the Ore by Olivia Hawker, a historical not-quite-fiction about crossing into Utah territory in the mid-1850s.

What do you like best about being a Friend of the Library and/or volunteer?

In the short time that I've been involved, the best thing about being a volunteer is the other volunteers—they are friendly and dedicated, and I'm excited to continue working with this group.

Meet Our New Bookstore Manager

What do you do as bookstore manager?

I oversee daily operations, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently while maximizing sales to grow our contributions to the library.

Why did you want to volunteer for the Friends of the Adams County Library?

I wanted to give back to the library that provided me and my nephew with many resources.

What do you love most about libraries?

Regardless of how much the world changes, the library remains a place for residents to use for free.

What is your favorite book? Or your favorite author or your favorite genre...

True crime. 

What do you like best about being a Friend of the Library and/or volunteer?

Helping to raise funds so the library continues to be available for free for everyone.

Thank You, Elsie Singmaster Lewars!

Do you love the Adams County Library as much as we do? Then thank Elsie Singmaster Lewars, a nationally known writer, who petitioned the Adams County Commissioners to establish a public library in Gettysburg. The library moved into its first building at 135 Carlisle Street in 1945. (That's Mrs. Lewars standing outside the library in 1948.)

She was a phenomenal writer of short stories and novels. Her novel set in Gettysburg, Swords of Steel, was recognized with a Newbery Honor in 1934. She is among the most successful authors to live in Adams County. Publishing more than 30 books and dozens of short stories, many set in Adams County, Mrs Lewars was recognized by many as a great writer, including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower.