Kristen Crouthamel (Ten Squared Women), Carla Hilgenberg, Laurie Carnahan, Deb Louk and Karen Onken were on hand for the check presentation, along with Dustie the dog.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Ten Squared Women of Guthrie County group presented its second quarterly donation of 2025, giving $14,700 to Friends of the Jamaica Library. This amount includes member donations and several employer matches.
The Jamaica Public Library, founded in 1948, holds a special place in the county — not only as a public library for the community of Jamaica but also as the longtime home of the Guthrie County Genealogical Society. For more than 40 years, the society has helped countless individuals across the county and the country trace their family histories.
The Friends of the Jamaica Public Library was officially established in the summer of 2024 and is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. A recent membership drive brought more than 50 members into the Friends organization. The group is led by a five-member board, working closely with Library Director Laurie Carnahan and the library board.
“The library board, Library Director Laurie Carnahan, and the Friends of the Jamaica Library are beyond excited and thankful,” Friends board member Carla Hilgenberg said. “With this wonderful gift, we’ll be able to help the library upgrade its technology and increase programs and services.”
As part of its support, the Friends group will provide prizes and snacks for the Library’s summer reading program. The group will also sponsor a special event featuring Fonziba Drums on Thursday, July 31 at 5 p.m. at the Jamaica Community Center. All are welcome to this free, interactive program, which will give attendees the opportunity to learn and play Djembe drums.
To make a donation to the Friends of the Jamaica Public Library, or to inquire about volunteering, contact Hilgenberg at 563-212-0945.
The Jamaica Public Library is located at 316 Main St., Jamaica. For more information, call 641-429-3362.