History of the Friends
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Since its inception in 1967 the Bartlett Library has enjoyed tremendous community support. Volunteers help in the library, and a group of “Friends,” dedicated to promoting the Bartlett Library, have provided funding to supplement government entities. During this early period the Bartlett Library was funded by Shelby County, operating as a branch library within the larger Memphis-Shelby County Library System. Bartlett Friends functioned as a chapter of the Friends of the Memphis and Shelby County Public Libraries until 2007.
In 2005 Shelby County ceased funding the library. Ownership of the library building, land, furnishings, and collection was transferred from the County to the City of Bartlett. At that time, the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen elected to remain associated with the Memphis libraries, contracting with the City of Memphis to manage its library. That arrangement has proved highly successful for both parties and continues in effect. The Bartlett Library Manager realized that with the new paradigm for library management and funding, it was essential to revitalize Bartlett Friends. Their mission was to be proactive in promoting the welfare of the Bartlett library and to raise funds supporting library programs and facilities. In mid-2003 a public meeting was held and the new Friends of the Bartlett Library was formed. Officers were elected, members were recruited, and the organization began to expand its activities as a chapter of the Friends of the Memphis-Shelby County Public Libraries. |
Bartlett Library circa 1960 ©Linda Wong
Bartlett Library circa 2000 ©Linda Wong
Bartlett Library circa 2009 ©Linda Wong
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In 2006 with planning for construction of a new Library building underway, City officials, the Bartlett Library Manager, and the planning committee of Bartlett Friends determined that it would be in the best interest of the Bartlett community to establish Friends as an independent organization for fund raising and advocacy purposes. On July 1, 2007 Friends of the Bartlett Public Library was chartered as a non-profit corporation in the State of Tennessee. On July 16, 2007 the first annual members meeting was held. A Board of Directors and Officers were elected. The Internal Revenue Service recognized Friends as a public charity awarding it tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) in October 2009.
Today Friends boasts more than 175 active members who volunteer hundreds of hours each year. Book sales have expanded year-round in the library. The annual book sale in April now spans five days, placing thousands of donated books back into the community. Since 2007 Friends has donated more than $155,000 in direct support to Bartlett Library programs, facilities, and early childhood literacy. Friends regularly represents the Library at Bartlett Festival and Bartlett Business EXPO, as well as other venues as opportunities arise.
Today Friends boasts more than 175 active members who volunteer hundreds of hours each year. Book sales have expanded year-round in the library. The annual book sale in April now spans five days, placing thousands of donated books back into the community. Since 2007 Friends has donated more than $155,000 in direct support to Bartlett Library programs, facilities, and early childhood literacy. Friends regularly represents the Library at Bartlett Festival and Bartlett Business EXPO, as well as other venues as opportunities arise.
