Shining Star Awards 2024 - Friends of Ridgewood Library
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation 2024, Queens Public Library recognizes the contributions of its volunteers and staff. The Friends of QPL Shining Star Award is given to individual Friends members that demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others to action; and groups that exemplify a collaborative spirit and strive to work together to provide ideas, resources, and opportunities that uplift their community.
This year, Queens Public Library recognizes the Friends of Ridgewood Library. In the previous twelve months, the Friends of Ridgewood have been on a mission to tell the world about their branch and the importance of public libraries. Members collaborate with library staff to develop ideas and activities that attract all ages to the Ridgewood branch. You will find chapter members at street fairs handing out free books, conducting a neighborhood Halloween party (dressed in costume…of course), testifying to the City Council about the value of public libraries, and maintaining the outdoor garden space by clearing debris and planting flowers. This visibility has allowed the group to become one of our largest, with eighteen members and counting! They produce a monthly e-newsletter to help resident stay aware of upcoming programming and available services, and always explore new and unique ways to appeal to everyone. Kudos to all and we look forward to what the future brings.
Meet the Friends of Ridgewood Library...
(This interview was conducted with Friends of Ridgewood Library President, Michaeline Von Drathen)
Q: When did you first become involved with the Friends of QPL?
A: I believe it was 2017.
Q: What attracted you to becoming involved with the Friends of QPL?
A: My family have been going to Ridgewood Library since it opened in 1929. The library has been part of my life at so many different stages. Who wouldn’t want to be part of an organization/community that welcomes all, where all resources are free & is a safe space. Libraries invest in our communities & ask for nothing in return. Whatever time I can give & however I can assist the library I am happy to do so.
Q: Why are the Friends of QPL an asset to your community or neighborhood?
A: We are a Queens neighborhood & we are diverse. The Friends are an extension of the library. We can assist the library in meeting their patrons where they are. We attend community events where we get feedback/requests which we report to the library & which helps us develop/sponsor programs which fill a community need. We promote/sponsor programs, recruit friends, fundraise which goes back to Ridgewood Library & therefore the community. Due to our fundraising efforts & generous members at times we have helped out during budget cuts.
Q: What has been 1-2 of your proudest moments to date during your time as a Friend of QPL?
A: There have been many, but the most recent have been the Ridgewood Reading Social that we just started in March on Thursday evenings. The other is the book giveaways we have been doing for the past 2 years, it’s a great feeling to help people, especially children build a library at home.
Q: In what ways can the Friends (and the library) remain relevant and an asset to the community?
A: Get out into the community go to different types of community events & meetings, not necessarily as a member of the Friends, but as an individual, volunteer with other organizations if you can & join your community social media accounts which are a great resource to learn what in the community are looking for. Network with other Friends groups & see what other Friends groups & libraries are doing, not just in Queens or NY, but across the country.
Q: What would you like to still accomplish as a Friend of QPL?
A: Being able to host larger fundraising events off site. Installing Little Free Libraries in the community. Continuing to grow the FORL & so, so much more.
Q: What are the benefits of working alongside other members to accomplish your goals as a Friend of QPL?
A: It’s a collaborative, creative & active group which helps ensure we accomplish our goals.
Q: In what ways has the library staff supported your efforts during your time as a Friend of QPL?
A: Maryanne, [the Community Library Manager], constantly supports, encourage & of course is a great resource in so many ways She is always willing to listen to our ideas, provides advice & guidance when we are planning an event & attends our monthly meetings, which is greatly appreciated. The staff is always willing to helps us out, taking part in our events when they can in any way they can. They always make us feel welcome, it is.
