Friends of the Library
The Friends of the East Gwillimbury Library is an independent, not-for-profit charitable organization that operates as a membership-based corporation under the direction of an elected board.
The Friends was founded in the early 2000s by the late Karen Dempster of Holland Landing. She established a steering committee of like-minded volunteers and by 2004 the Friends had hosted an author reading with Helen Humphreys as an experiment to see if people were interested. In 2006 the Friends received charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency and passed its first Operating Bylaw. As a membership-based organization all dues and donations support the public library.
In 2010 the Friends were the lead applicant on a collaborative community project to establish a Literacy Garden at the Holland Landing Library and Community Centre. They were successful in procuring a $75,000 Trillium grant and were part of the committee that oversaw the design and execution of the award-winning garden. Over the years the Friends have produced a cookbook, held a garden tour and developed bookshelf themed quilts at each branch with fabric book spines that donors may personalize.
Executive Members
President, Catherine Brydon
Vice President Loretta Whiteman
Secretary, Cathy Sands
Treasurer, Helena Bzonkova
Membership Chair, Nora Evans
Members at Large
Deb Ellis-Breeze
Jennifer Gleitman
Christine Glenn
Aida Kostuck
Carmen Richardson
Suzanne Sherman-Rose
The Mission of the Friends of the Library is:
To promote literacy and the role of the Library within our community.
The Purpose of the Friends of the Library is:
To support the East Gwillimbury Public Library by organizing, facilitating, and assisting with fundraising activities and encouraging community interest in Library development projects.
To increase awareness of the East Gwillimbury Public Library's programs and services.
To promote the importance of literacy in our community by offering special events and programs.
The Friends of the Library Value:
- A free and accessible library system
- Literacy in all its forms – oral, written, visual, digital
- Cultural diversity
- Community partnership
- Knowledge and learning
- Communication
Where do your donations go?
Revenue from donations and fundraising by the Friends have supported a wide range of initiatives and enhancements including the annual WriteOn! Contest, Books for Babies, the Library's Summer Reading Club wrap-up party, and more.
The Friends have donated $40,000 since its inception through author events, membership dues and donations.
Charitable tax receipts will be issued for any total over $20 so you can combine your membership fee with a donation and get a receipt for the full amount..
SHABBY CHIC SALE
The annual Shabby Chic Sale began in 2014 under the leadership of Friends board member, Linda Tanaka. This indoor upcycling event has been held every June since. (Suspended in 2020 and 2021 during COVID.) Gently used home decor, artwork, jewelery, clothing, books and more can be found at the Shabby Chic Sale.
To donate items email eglibraryfriends@gmail.com to arrange delivery.
This year’s sale is Saturday, May 31st, 2025 from 8 am to 1 pm
Sharon Temperance Hall beside the Sharon Temple.
AUTHOR VISIT SERIES
Begun in 2004, the Friends of the Library continue to bring renowned authors (more than 60 to date) to the Civic Centre in Sharon for visits which include a presentation, book signing and their famous homemade goodies.
Some events have been virtual. All the books promoted by the visiting authors are in the EGPL collection.
LIBRARY QUILT SPINE FUNDRAISER
The Friends of the Library host a book spine quilt at both Holland Landing and Mount Albert Branches. Book spines can be customized for a $50 donation (a $25 surcharge is added if a logo is required). For full information and how to purchase your book spine, please refer to the following application form. Completed forms should be dropped off at your nearest library branch. Payment can be make by cheque payable to: FRIENDS OF THE EAST GWILLIMBURY LIBRARY
Join Us
Membership revenue allows the Friends of the Library to provide additional support for our growing library system and to attract authors of the highest calibre. Membership is for the calendar year. You do not have to be a resident of East Gwillimbury to be a member.
Adult membership costs $15 to join – $10 for a senior.
To become a member and make a donation you must use both the membership link and the donation link and make separate transactions.
Donate via Cheque or E-transfer
Print the paper application form below and mail with a cheque or leave at the circulation desk. Address and payment details are contained in the document.'
Etransfers are accepted through eglibraryfriends@gmail.com. Please give full name and address and type of payment in the Message box of the E-transfer.
CONTACT US
FRIENDS OF THE EAST GWILLIMBURY LIBRARY
BOX 1701
HOLLAND LANDING, ON
L9N 1P2
Email: eglibraryfriends@gmail.com
Author |
Date |
Diana Beresford-Kroeger |
September 12, 2024 |
Dan Needles |
May 29, 2024 |
Sheila White |
February 7, 2024 |
Alicia Elliott |
November 1, 2023 |
Ian Hamilton |
May 24, 2023 |
Martha Schabas |
February 9, 2023 |
Ann-Marie Macdonald |
November 24, 2022 |
Linden McIntyre |
January 20, 2022 |
Kathleen Winter |
November 4, 2021 |
Michelle Sagara |
September 21, 2021 |
Paula McLain |
May 27, 2021 |
Mary Lawson |
March 21, 2021 |
Anthony De Sa |
February 6, 2020 |
Author |
Date |
Jennifer Robson |
November 14, 2019 |
Anakana Schofield |
May 23, 2019 |
John Little |
April 4, 2019 |
Ian Hamilton |
January 31, 2019 |
Eden Robinson |
October 29, 2018 |
Kim Thuy |
April 19, 2018 |
Wayne Johnston |
February 8, 2018 |
Lisa Moore |
October 16, 2017 |
Claire Cameron & Elan Mastai |
May 18, 2017 |
Roberta Rich |
March 27, 2017 |
Paula McLain |
November 17, 2016 |
Gillian Anderson-Dargatz |
October 28, 2016 |
Anthony De Sa |
May 19, 2016 |
Frank Ferragine |
March 31, 2016 |
Elizabeth Hay |
November 19, 2015 |
Ann-Marie Macdonald |
September 9, 2015 |
Michael Crummey |
March 26, 2015 |
Frances Itani |
November 26, 2014 |
Gail Bowen |
October 29, 2014 |
Craig Davidson |
April 29. 2014 |
Barry Dempster |
January 22, 2014 |
Shyam Selvadurai |
November 14, 2013 |
Andrew Westoll |
June 4, 2013 |
Camilla Gibb |
March 7, 2013 |
Vincent Lam |
November 21, 2012 |
Miriam Toews |
June 6, 2012 |
Richard Gwyn |
March 6, 2012 |
Jane Urquhart |
November 3, 2011 |
Terry Fallis |
May 26, 2011 |
Nino Ricci |
February 17, 2011 |
David Rotenberg |
October 19, 2010 |
Anne Michaels |
April 20, 2010 |
M.G. Vassanji |
February 24, 2010 |
Author |
Date |
Catherine Gildiner |
November 10, 2009 |
Maureen Jennings |
May 12, 2009 |
David Bergen |
February 4, 2009 |
Joseph Boyden |
September 30, 2008 |
Alissa York |
June 10, 2008 |
Wayne Johnston |
January 23, 2008 |
Giles Blunt |
October 24, 2007 |
Stephen Brunt |
May 16, 2007 |
George Elliot Clarke |
February 15, 2007 |
Catherine Bush |
October 11, 2006 |
Barry Dempster |
May 17, 2006 |
Paul Quarrington |
February 8, 2006 |
Andrew Pyper |
October 12, 2005 |
Judy Fong Bates |
May 4, 2005 |
John Bemrose |
February 2, 2005 |
Peter Robinson |
October 27, 2004 |
Watson Choy |
June 17, 2004 |
Helen Humphreys |
April 21, 2004 |