Friends of the Library

Friends of the East Gwillimbury Public Library Logo

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

Karen Faris

Christine Glenn

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, June 8 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.

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.

Pay Your Membership Online

Membership Form

Additional Donations

CONTACT US

FRIENDS OF THE EAST GWILLIMBURY LIBRARY

BOX 1701 

HOLLAND LANDING, ON

L9N 1P2

Email: eglibraryfriends@gmail.com

Author

Date

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