What we fund
A small library does a surprising amount of work. It lends musical instruments. And STEAM kits. And dementia kits, and backpacks for the state parks. It runs story time and wellness programs and a seed swap and a genealogy class. It is a warm room with fast internet for anyone who needs one.
Technology
Technology support, and some of the technology. We fund a weekly basic computer help assistant in full - a real person, on a schedule, who will sit down with you one-on-one and sort out your laptop, your phone, or whatever the printer is doing.
Summer reading
We contribute to the summer reading programs every year - the youth program, and the adult one alongside it, with gift baskets and gift cards for the readers who finish. The youth program is the most reliable thing standing between a Rappahannock kid and three months of not reading anything.
Programs
We sponsor many youth programs: wildlife education, music programs, puppet shows, and magic shows.
Repairs and grounds
Emergency and seasonal landscaping of the library grounds. And, when something breaks, the repair nobody planned for. Nobody puts a heat pump on a fundraising poster. It still has to work in February.
What the Friends do
The Book Barn
Runs the Book Barn beside the library. Everything on the shelves was donated. Everything it earns goes back to the library.
Grounds
Emergency and seasonal landscaping of the library grounds.
Computer help
Fully funds a weekly basic computer help assistant, giving patrons one-on-one support over an extended period.
Youth programs
Sponsors many youth programs, including wildlife educational programs, music programs, puppet shows, and magic shows.
Summer reading
Contributes to the youth and adult summer reading programs, including donations of gift baskets and many gift cards for the adult program.
Library staff
Supports and celebrates the library staff, including the celebration of National Library Week.
Booklist
Sponsors an annual subscription to Booklist, a monthly reader advisory magazine for staff and patrons.
Community appreciation
Contributes toward the food at the community appreciation event.
Larger projects
One-off things the Friends have helped pay for, with the year we paid for them.
- New computers
- HVAC repair
- Meeting room furniture
- Lighting upgrade
What we do not fund
The library runs a great deal the Friends do not pay for - the wellness programs, the book club, author events, genealogy workshops, the adult art classes. We are glad they exist. We just cannot claim them.
Help pay for it
Friends of the Rappahannock County Library
The Book Barn — Saturdays, 10–2. Closed Sunday through Friday.
Visit: 4 Library Road, Washington, VA 22747
Call: (540) 675-1125