Our History
In 1972, members of the University Women’s Club of Richmond recognised the need for organised support for library services in our community, but recognition of the need and working towards that goal took perseverance and tenacity. Beginning with a grassroots meeting of a small number of club members in Mrs. Sophie McDougall’s living room in late 1972, the idea soon developed. Officially organised with Mrs. Jean Haakonsen as the first chair, the Friends of the Richmond Library Society (FOL) enrolled 93 members before the end of the first year.
The Municipality of Richmond provided the space and staff; the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) provided the books. A good start, but not quite what the ambitious organizers of FOL had in mind. Library specific equipment and of course, books, were cornerstones to the dream of a local, community-based library. So how do you raise money for the fundamentals? Obviously you hold book sales. And that’s exactly what Friends did, starting small with a few tables in the Richmond Shopping Mall and proudly announcing at the end of one early sale funds raised at just over $1,000.
The need for books, particularly a collection that would stay in Richmond and be responsive to local needs and interests was paramount. By 1975, the push was on to leave the FVRL and establish a Municipal Library. Of course, there were complications and especially costs – costs associated with leaving the regional organization to put the issue before the Municipal Council. With this kind of community backing, Council was persuaded to go ahead and in May of 1976, the new Richmond Public Library (RPL) opened with FOL on hand to serve refreshments.
Time and again, Friends have been on hand to assist with programs and projects. In the early days, a Children’s Print Library was organized and staffed by Friends, local art was brought into local homes and for a time, Friends provided a book delivery for shut-ins. For many years, Friends assisted the library with events that celebrated Chinese New Year and continue to participate in library events recognizing Canada’s birthday.
When the province announced “Go BC” grants for community facilities, Friends were there to put forward Richmond’s needs and there again in 1991 with a $60,000 contribution to the building fund for the Library/Cultural Centre.
But Friends also organize and participate in shared membership activities throughout the year – Bard on the Beach in the summer, selected author presentations, winery tours, and “Dinner and a Movie” nights, to name a few. The Friends of the Library Book Club meets monthly to discuss books read and to share book reading experiences. Friends groups from other communities have contacted us for ideas and to discuss our mutual interests.
Annual (and semi-annual) book sales raise awareness of the library in the community and raise money. They are hard work, not just at sale time but throughout the year. But most members, committed bibliophiles, will tell you they are more than worth it. And we can say with pride, that over the years Friends have donated in excess of half a million dollars to Richmond Library programs, projects and equipment.
Friends bought the first computer and the Board Room table; Friends have designated significant amounts for the Book Clubs’ collection; Friends took advantage of a Vancouver Foundation “Challenge” grant program to establish an endowment fund which benefits RPL and Friends continues to contribute regularly to the Vancouver Foundation as well as a similar endowment in the Richmond Foundation.
Friends depend heavily on support from RPL – sorting and storing books for the book sales requires space which the library provides. High school students are the muscle of our work crews at book sales; and other Community supporters help where they can providing reduced rental (Thompson Community Centre), and refreshments for the volunteers at the twice yearly books sales (Safeway and Save-on-Foods).
“Whale of a Sale” is now a recognized logo in Richmond – patrons know what to expect: a well-organized collection of desirable books well displayed and reasonably priced. Is that about to change? Will electronic devices and capabilities seriously harm sales of used books? It’s too early to say, but if so, Friends will surely come up with alternate ways to support reading and literacy programs and projects.
The Municipality of Richmond provided the space and staff; the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) provided the books. A good start, but not quite what the ambitious organizers of FOL had in mind. Library specific equipment and of course, books, were cornerstones to the dream of a local, community-based library. So how do you raise money for the fundamentals? Obviously you hold book sales. And that’s exactly what Friends did, starting small with a few tables in the Richmond Shopping Mall and proudly announcing at the end of one early sale funds raised at just over $1,000.
The need for books, particularly a collection that would stay in Richmond and be responsive to local needs and interests was paramount. By 1975, the push was on to leave the FVRL and establish a Municipal Library. Of course, there were complications and especially costs – costs associated with leaving the regional organization to put the issue before the Municipal Council. With this kind of community backing, Council was persuaded to go ahead and in May of 1976, the new Richmond Public Library (RPL) opened with FOL on hand to serve refreshments.
Time and again, Friends have been on hand to assist with programs and projects. In the early days, a Children’s Print Library was organized and staffed by Friends, local art was brought into local homes and for a time, Friends provided a book delivery for shut-ins. For many years, Friends assisted the library with events that celebrated Chinese New Year and continue to participate in library events recognizing Canada’s birthday.
When the province announced “Go BC” grants for community facilities, Friends were there to put forward Richmond’s needs and there again in 1991 with a $60,000 contribution to the building fund for the Library/Cultural Centre.
But Friends also organize and participate in shared membership activities throughout the year – Bard on the Beach in the summer, selected author presentations, winery tours, and “Dinner and a Movie” nights, to name a few. The Friends of the Library Book Club meets monthly to discuss books read and to share book reading experiences. Friends groups from other communities have contacted us for ideas and to discuss our mutual interests.
Annual (and semi-annual) book sales raise awareness of the library in the community and raise money. They are hard work, not just at sale time but throughout the year. But most members, committed bibliophiles, will tell you they are more than worth it. And we can say with pride, that over the years Friends have donated in excess of half a million dollars to Richmond Library programs, projects and equipment.
Friends bought the first computer and the Board Room table; Friends have designated significant amounts for the Book Clubs’ collection; Friends took advantage of a Vancouver Foundation “Challenge” grant program to establish an endowment fund which benefits RPL and Friends continues to contribute regularly to the Vancouver Foundation as well as a similar endowment in the Richmond Foundation.
Friends depend heavily on support from RPL – sorting and storing books for the book sales requires space which the library provides. High school students are the muscle of our work crews at book sales; and other Community supporters help where they can providing reduced rental (Thompson Community Centre), and refreshments for the volunteers at the twice yearly books sales (Safeway and Save-on-Foods).
“Whale of a Sale” is now a recognized logo in Richmond – patrons know what to expect: a well-organized collection of desirable books well displayed and reasonably priced. Is that about to change? Will electronic devices and capabilities seriously harm sales of used books? It’s too early to say, but if so, Friends will surely come up with alternate ways to support reading and literacy programs and projects.
