By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
One of the strengths of the Mary J. Barnett Library is the Friends of the Guthrie Center Library, which provides support to the library in many forms. This volunteer group has been active since the mid 1990s and played a vital role in the construction of the building that currently houses the library. Currently, the group is embarking on a membership drive.
Friends of the Guthrie Center Library president Diane Flannery explains the mission and the way your membership helps in the following paragraphs.
“The Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library has always been more than just books — it’s a gathering space, a learning hub, and a cornerstone of our community. From children’s programs and summer reading to special events and expanded resources, your library continues to grow because of the support of people like you.
The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library invite you to become a member and help us continue enriching our community. For just $25 in annual dues, your membership directly supports:
- Educational programs for all ages
- Special events and community outreach
- New books, materials and resources
- Improvements that make our library welcoming and vibrant
Every membership makes a difference, and, together, we can ensure our library remains a thriving space for generations to come. Joining is easy and your support truly matters. Thank you for believing in the power of libraries.”
As the Friends’ president points out, membership is easy. You can contact Diane Flanery or reach out to the MJB Library. Your $25 annual membership dues go directly to fund library programs, materials and community events. Friends will accept cash, a check made to Friends of the GC Library, or Venmo to @FriendsofGCLIbrary. Additional donations are also always welcome.
Members can choose to be active members who participate in meetings, events and fundraising or supporting members who primarily support through dues.
Become a Friend of the GC Library before March 31, 2026, and be entered into a drawing for a gift basket valued at roughly $100.
It’s impossible to put a price tag on the value of the Friends of the Library Group. Their generosity and contributions of money, time, knowledge and resources contribute to the success of the MJB Library and are crucial to its operations. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference to our community by joining Friends of the Guthrie Center Library.
Remember that MJB Library has many on-going events for all ages. Monday from 9-11 a.m., cribbage players of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in weekly cribbage games at the library’s Taylor Meeting room.
On Mondays, Craft and Connect meets from 4-6 p.m. Crafters of all ages and backgrounds are invited to bring a project and work while visiting with other creative people in the Taylor Meeting Room.
Bridge classes are each Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. On the third Thursday of each month, cardmaking class meets from 9 to 11 a.m. to create handmade greeting cards while the Cookbook Club meets that evening at 6:30 p.m. to sample and discuss cookbooks.
The library hosts two book clubs each month. Members can check out the book for the month and then come to the discussion. The afternoon book club, Between the Covers, meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. Reads Well With Others Evening Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.
The March book for the afternoon club is “Too Old for This” by Samantha Downing, described as equal parts hilarious and disturbing, tells the story of a retired serial killer whose world is upset by an unexpected visitor. “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman tells the story of Rocky, a middle-aged woman sandwiched between her half-grown children and fully aging parents, who is forced to navigate her family’s past and future on the week-long multigenerational vacation while accepting that she can no longer hide secrets from the people she loves. Both books are available to be checked out.
As part of our STEM programming for youth, LEGO Mania Day will be Wednesday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Youth of all ages are welcome. Preregistration is appreciated.
Each Friday at 10 a.m., the library offers preschool story hour for preschoolers of all ages and their caregivers. Each week, the youngest patrons can plan on a few stories and a craft focusing on a theme.
Each person is invited to be involved in the future of the MJB Library by joining the Friends of the Guthrie Center Library and by being involved in the programs offered by the library. Remember, we have so much to offer — including some great new books.