Library ornaments on sale

By AMY LANSDON

Features Editor

Dec. 16, 2000 10 PM

Time is running out for purchasing the limited edition Friends of the Library Christmas ornaments featuring the old post office in downtown Troy.

Each year the Friends of the Library design a special ornament depicting a historical scene in Troy, said Margaret Stewart, director of the Troy Public Library.

"The ornaments are one-time-only limited edition Christmas tree ornaments," Stewart said. "Once they are gone, no more will be made. Anyone who is interested in buying an ornament, especially people who have collected all of the editions, needs to go ahead an purchase one. They are selling fast."

This year’s ornament is the seventh edition ornament. The ornaments are $10 each and are available at the library while supplies last.

Stewart said the Friends of the Library use the proceeds from the sale of the ornaments to purchase items for the library.

"Through the sale of the ornaments the Friends of the Library buy materials for us," Stewart said. "They have bought us a drop box, magazine subscriptions, large print books and materials for the children’s department."

Although money raised by the Friends of the Library is not turned directly over the library, Stewart said when supplies are needed the Friends of the Library are there.

"We tell them what we need and we order it they give us a check for it," she said.

The Friends of the Library have purchased a lot of books for the library. Stewart said a gold plate is placed inside the cover of books purchased by Friends of the Library.

"That way our patrons know when the Friends of the Library purchased books for us," she said.

Aside from the annual Christmas ornament sale, the Friends of the Library also operate a bookstore inside the library. Proceeds from the bookstore and membership dues also benefit the library.

Anyone interested in purchasing a Christmas ornament and supporting the Troy Public Library should come by the library by Dec. 22.

"We are closing at 5 p.m. Dec. 22," said Stewart. "We will be closed throughout Christmas and New Year’s Day. We will reopen at 9 a.m. Jan. 2."

Stewart also said forms are available at the library for anyone who is interested in joining Friends of the Library.