Estero Library has Friends

Just inside the doors of the South County Regional Library in Estero is a bookshelf full of books, not to be checked out, but purchased.

"First Dibs" is a fundraising program for the Friends of South County Regional Library, an organization that helps fund programs at the library.

"They're such a supportive group for us," said Beth Nagengast, "Almost any request we make, they provide for us."

The South County Regional Library celebrates its tenth anniversary on Aug. 23, but the Friends group has only been around a few years. President Claire Hauenstein said former SCRL librarian Linda Holland asked her to be part of a core group that started the club in March 2004.

"She is really the mover and the shaker," Hauenstein said of Holland.

In the two years since starting the group, they have gained 200 members and become active in the library and the community.

"We're very fortunate that we have lots of folks willing to help," Hauenstein said.

Heather O'Connell, community relations coordinator for the library, said the Friends provided funding for additional programs like the Reading Festival on March 18 and shows for kids throughout the year.

Hauenstein said they also sponsored two concerts during the year outside the library. Suncoast Brass played during the holidays and Flutes of the World also played.

"It's become quite a thing," she said.

The Friends group has also participated in Arts in Estero events, Celebrate Estero and Estero Historical Society events.

The Friends' main goal is to raise money for the library. Nagengast said they provided funding to buy some extra furniture for the library.

Hauenstein said they have a tote bag and children's T-shirt for sale, featuring art by Friends treasurer Gretchen Schmidt. They also raise a lot of money through the "First Dibs" book sale, which sells hardcover books for $3 and paperbacks for $1, on the honor system.

"That's very popular," she said.

• For details on how to join the Friends of South County Regional Library, visit its Web site at www.friendsofscrl.org or its display at the library, right inside the doors.