Kew Gardens Hills residents know that we have a vibrant public library (the Queens Public Library of Kew Gardens Hills) that tries to serve the needs of our community. But did you know there is a volunteer organization that provides additional activities at our local library? It’s called Friends of the Kew Gardens Hills Library, and most activities are focused on children or seniors.
They have hosted science programs, klezmer bands, speakers for seniors, puppet shows, animals from Alley Pond Park, magicians, and many other wonderful programs. Other past adult activities include jewelry making, glass art, paper crafts, and historians. “The library has a budget, and we provide additional activities,” Sarah Zeitlin, a volunteer for the organization shared. “We have our own budget, and every event is free of charge. We are able to do this through donations.” She shared that they ran a very successful fundraiser in May that was a used book sale. Softcover books cost $1, and hardcover books were $2. People brought books to donate. They were able to raise $700. People bought books for classrooms and home use. They hope to repeat this type of successful event.
The next planned big event is a holiday bazaar. They need vendors. The cost is $75 to host a table for the Friends of the KGH Library. You can sell jewelry, toys, Judaica, etc. The event is slated for early December.
Sarah Zeitlin and Jennifer Martin are two active volunteers. The long-time president is Ethyl Haber. They also have some library representatives, so they can coordinate events, as well as Jerrie Gratham, the Volunteer Services Manager of the Friends of QPL|Queens Public Library.
Sarah shared, “We supplement the library program to benefit the community.” They are seeking volunteers. There is little required from a volunteer. It’s really a minimal amount of commitment required. There is a monthly meeting. The next one will be on Tuesday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. at the library. “We are looking for volunteers to join our board,” Sarah Zeitlin shared. You are welcome to come to the meeting and see how the organization works to create programs that benefit the community. This organization offers an opportunity to get quality programming for our community. They try to schedule events for Sundays. Sarah pointed out, “We want to make sure that there is appropriate programming for our community that all can enjoy.”
By Susie Garber
