Michael Kraft
Alison Talbott serves as President of the Humboldt Library Foundation. A passionate reader, she’s equally passionate about the role of libraries in our modern world.
She wants to counter the notion that libraries aren’t necessary anymore. Humboldt’s libraries, she says, are “absolutely on fire…completely hopping.” There are over 100,000 library card holders in our little county. Usage is on the rise, not on a decline, something that began during the pandemic but hasn’t waned afterward. In addition to checking out traditional hard copy books, people are taking courses and consuming audio and eBooks through Libby, a library app that provides free access to various publications. Depending on the library branch, you might also find book clubs, chess and Lego clubs, language courses, and cultural presentations, among many others.
I found myself confused about the differences and overlaps between the Friends of the Library and the Foundation. Alison explained that Friends groups support specific branches of the library. These are the folks I donate my books to. They raise money through book sales and volunteer in various ways at each library location. The Foundation focuses on dollars to support the entire network, including the eleven individual branches and the bookmobile.
I was surprised at how many library branches we have in Humboldt, including Trinidad, Rio Dell, Blue Lake, and Ferndale. The bookmobile goes to the more rural spots, with Orleans being one of the spots I know of personally.
Here’s something that people in the small library world know that most of us might not think of: libraries represent one of the last public places you can be for free. This includes seniors getting help with the internet and job seekers who need internet access. People at risk can find calm and quiet. “We all own it,” Alison says.
As a society, beset with misinformation, we need access to primary sources. It’s important to have free, unbiased information and access to librarians–expert researchers–to help us.
Cards on the table: I can’t be objective about Alison Talbott. She is, simply, one of my favorite people. Like some of my other favorite folks, she makes an intelligent use of language and knows when and how—in a limited way—to deploy swears. Case in point: “our librarians are top (perfectly deployed expletive deleted) notch.”
Alison also points out that local bookstore owners are involved in and are supportive of our libraries. She adds, “if you’re going to buy books, please buy them there, from our wonderful local booksellers.”
The library itself is a county department, and the county’s finances aren’t in great shape. So, dollars are short, and the Humboldt Library Foundation helps to fill the gap. Their mission is straightforward: to support the long-term success and vitality of the library.
With a single part-time staff member, the Foundation accomplishes much of the mission through the work of an all-volunteer, working board. While not currently seeking board members, they like to be proactive and to have people in the queue to fill openings that may arise.
I asked Alison to describe a project the board is proud of. She mentioned raising money to help purchase a van for the new ‘Library At Your Door’ program. Busy young families, homebound seniors, or others who can’t easily access their branch library, can now request delivery of books and other library materials.
There are various ways to donate. Alison specifically mentioned two. Through the Buy a Book campaign, the foundation folks invite donors to donate 25 dollars in honor of, or in memory of, someone they care about, and the library places a book plate in the book that denotes who the book was purchased to honor. It’s a wonderful gift for the person who has everything and a lasting tribute to loved ones who have passed away. They’ve also recently begun the Book a Month Club that allows library lovers to pay as little as ten dollars a month and fund book purchases all year long. 60% of the book buying budget for Humboldt’s library system comes from these kinds of efforts.
To pitch in, visit https://humboldtlibraryfoundation.org/ and take a quick tour to see what most appeals to you.
Aside from board service, the Foundation itself does not make substantial use of volunteers. However, this is where the Friends of the Library groups shine. You can find contact information for each of the Friends chapters here: https://humboldtgov.org/301/Friends-of-the-Library.
Alison believes, and I agree, that libraries are a foundation of our democracy. Access to information, unbiased and free, remains vital. The Humboldt Library Foundation helps ensure that this critical local resource continues to be there for us.
Good Work is a series written by Michael Kraft, who volunteers on behalf of the Northern California Association of Nonprofits (NorCAN). NorCAN supports connections between people and organizations that work every day to keep our communities healthy and strong by offering professional development, board support, networking connections and more. Learn more at https://norcal-nonprofits.org/. To nominate a deserving nonprofit organization to be profiled, email michael@kraftconsultants.com.
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