Celebrating 80 Years of the Friends of the Library!

The Friends of the Carlyle Campbell Library is actively seeking new members and we are hoping you will become our next “friend” during this very special year for us – the 80th anniversary of our founding!

Dr. Julia Harris started the group in 1941 and the library’s annual report of that year notes our group’s humble beginnings, acknowledging, “Three volumes and twenty dollars in money were received from ‘Friends of the Library’.” From those modest beginnings, we have continued our mission to promote, support, and encourage the services and interests of the Library. The group strives to build a strong relationship between the Library and members of the Meredith community, as well as the communities that surround Meredith’s campus.

We accomplish this by financially supporting library special projects, which improve the learning experience for students, faculty, and staff. By becoming a member of the Friends of the Carlyle Campbell Library, you ensure that the Library can provide the best services to both current and future Meredith students. The Friends recently funded the purchase of a new graphic novel collection as a part of the Library’s Trending Reads section and the upgrade of one of the library’s group study rooms. Both of these projects and the many others that the Friends have supported greatly impact the library experience of our students!

In addition to aiding our students, you get to enjoy the many benefits of becoming a member. Normally benefits include: invitations to Friends’ events twice a year, reduced fees for Friends’ events, and borrowing privileges at the College Library. Some of our recent speakers have included American author, professor, and musician Bland Simpson; professor and novelist Philip Gerard; and cookbook author, editor, freelance writer, and award-winning essayist Debbie Moose. Through our partnership with Quail Ridge Books, we have co-sponsored events with Erik Larsen, Ann Patchett, Jodi Picoult, and many, many more! 

Though we are currently unable to gather in person, we have many virtual events planned and are actively sharing other resources and programming with our members through our newsletter. This past year we hosted multiple virtual events free of charge for our members including a virtual viewing and panel discussion of a video theatre work, The Activists, created and performed by Meredith students as well as a lively poetry reading and discussion with the poets Todd Colby, Joanna Penn Cooper, Jessica Q. Stark, and Julia Story. We use our newsletter to not only invite members to these wonderful programs but also share regular updates throughout the year and to share other engaging news, events, and content! 

In the Meredith College Alumnae Magazine from winter 1948, Librarian Hazel Baity wrote, “We are constantly aware of changing circumstances that affect our library. The expansion of the college curriculum, the increase in enrollment, and the new objectives of higher education are all making greater demands upon our resources. These growing needs bring greater opportunities for service to the Friends of the Library. We are counting on your continued interest.”  All these years later, Hazel’s sentiment is still true. As we continue to adapt to best serve Meredith students, we are immensely grateful for the support we receive from our Friends members and strive to continue to attract new alumnae/i and community members. Please consider joining today, knowing you will be contributing to the growth and vitality of Meredith. 

For more information and to start your membership, please visit: https://infotogo.meredith.edu/friends