The Friends of the Library (FoL) serve different library
systems in a variety of capacities. One of the more dynamic groups I’ve
encountered is the Robeson County FoL (Lumberton, NC), where I was privileged
to make an author presentation, followed by a booksigning, Thursday 8 March
2007.

What makes these folks so memorable?

• The FoL schedules at least one author presentation each
  month in addition to their other events. Most of these authors are non-local.
  The local press is in tune with the events and provides advance coverage of
  guest speakers.
• The FoL employs a webmaster and computer guru, responsible
  for making all the libraries wifi as well as keeping the web site up to date.
• All author events except the annual dinner are held at the
  Osterneck Auditorium, a new facility with excellent acoustics.
• The FoL encompasses the entire county and has a mailing list
  of about 1,500 people who have expressed interest in FoL and library events.
  There are no competitive events among branches. All county library branches
  work together.
• The FoL holds regular meetings to discuss the needs of each
  library location so money is distributed wisely and equitably among branches.

Starting with the "Dinner With the Author" before
my presentation, I saw how much the Robeson County FoL values each guest
speaker. Such a pleasure to present before them last Thursday night and answer
the many insightful, intelligent questions the audience posed about the
Revolutionary War in the South. I look forward to future opportunities with
them.