Potomac Almanac

The Potomac Friends of the Library organization was informed on March 19 that it, along with all other Friends chapters at the county’s branch libraries, will be dissolved immediately. 

This unilateral, unexpected action—taken with no prior consultation with branch chapters—was made by the “parent” organization, Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, MD, last Saturday, March 19. You can read the announcement at https://www.folmc.org/from-the-desk-of-the-president.

The Potomac Friends chapter is stunned by this action and concerned that direct community involvement in supporting and enhancing the Potomac Library and its programming will suffer. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by a 13-member elected Board of Directors made up of volunteer residents and library patrons, we are exploring with other chapters—which are equally concerned—what options may be available to continue to serve our communities.

For 31 years the Potomac Friends of the Library chapter has been dedicated to the enhancement of the Potomac library in a multitude of ways. In recognition of this, the Potomac Chamber of Commerce honored the organization collectively as “Potomac Citizen of the Year” in 2020. We have provided “extras” such as:

*  author talks

*  8 years of the Great Decisions foreign affairs lectures

* monthly book sales

*  children's programs

*  computers and furniture

*  funds for collection development

*  partial funding for landscaping of the grounds by the Potomac Village Garden Club

*  staff appreciation lunches and funds for ongoing learning

* storybook characters and children’s activities for Potomac Day

* financial support for re-painting and refurbishing of the library building 

We also planned to make significant funding for the upcoming refresh of the Potomac branch. The Potomac Friends chapter is pursuing alternatives to disbandment in the hope of continuing our service to the Potomac Library and the Potomac community. We appreciate all our many members' support over the years and will keep you posted.

—Edythe Wingate

President, Potomac Friends of the Library