‘Anything the library wants’ Friends of the Tecumseh District Library support library’s programs, operations

TECUMSEH — Since 1905, the Tecumseh District Library (TDL) has been a place where the community comes together to learn, explore, and connect.

Today, it offers far more than books, with educational programs, author talks, technology, special events and resources for all ages. While thousands enjoy these services each year, many don’t realize the behind-the-scenes work that Friends of the Tecumseh District Library (FOTDL) does to make them possible and ensure the library remains a community hub for generations to come.

“We are mainly here to support anything the library wants to do, either now or in the future,” said FOTDL President Ginger Poczatek.

That support is reflected throughout the library. Over the past two years, FOTDL has funded an early literacy computer, reading chairs, meeting room tables, upgraded book collections, staff computer chairs, and improvements to the children’s and teen spaces, including new furniture, rugs and signage.

“We try to make it as inviting as possible,” Poczatek said. “The teen and children’s areas have been updated to be more inviting, and our librarians work so well with those groups that those areas are really thriving.”

FOTDL’s impact extends well beyond material items. They sponsor many of the library’s educational presentations such as on the doomed lake freighter Edmund Fitzgerald, morel mushrooms and Animal Magic; child-based events; author visits; and the annual Summer Reading Program, which includes a kickoff celebration, prizes and an ice cream party finale. They also host a craft table at the Tecumseh Farmers Market and a bookmark design contest.

Poczatek credits the partnership between FOTDL and TDL Director Jordan Wright and his staff for keeping the library innovative.

“Jordan is very enthusiastic and has hired excellent people who are just endowed with ideas,” she said. “The library doesn’t just lend books. They have tools, instruction manuals, movies and more. It’s incredible what they loan out, and it’s amazing what this library does.”

To sustain the library’s programs and enhancements, fundraising is essential. Among FOTDL’s fundraising efforts, books remain its greatest asset and most reliable source of income.

On the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., they host a used book sale in the library’s lower level. Gently used books of all genres, most priced between $1 and $2, along with book-themed tote bags designed by Friends member Jeanne Knight, are sold to benefit the library’s services.

Every Thursday morning, members sort, catalog and price donated books, while a special table showcases collectible and rare titles. Children’s books and puzzles are the top sellers at each sale.

“It’s so rewarding when you see children come in and pick out a book and sit and read while their parents shop,” Poczatek said. ‘I think we’re doing a really good job in our community of encouraging a love of books for children, and that’s what we really love.” Besides purchasing books, the community can support FOTDL by donating gently used books published within the past 10 years and complete puzzles to help keep the sale offerings fresh. Donations can be dropped off at the library’s circulation desk during business hours.

In addition to monthly book sales, FOTDL also hosts a Table of Contents fundraiser each fall. This year’s brunch will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Guests are invited to decorate tables around a favorite book, with some participants dressing as characters, performing skits or reading poetry inspired by their theme. The event includes a catered meal, a cash bar, raffles featuring 30-40 gift baskets and gift cards from local businesses, and awards for the top three table designs. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased by Sept. 17 by contacting Sarah Kruszka at fotdlsocial@gmail.com.

“Without the public supporting us, there would be no Friends of the Library. Plain and simple,” Poczatek said. “The library is very well supported, and we’re grateful to have generous people here in town.”

Currently, FOTDL has about 70 members, but Poczatek hopes to grow that number to 100 by year’s end. Membership costs $10 annually ($5 for seniors), and meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the library’s lower level.

“We are solely here for the library,” Poczatek said. “It makes you feel good when you walk into the library and know you’re truly part of what is going on and know your support is going towards everything the Friends do. To me it’s a sense of pride.”

For more information about the Friends of the Tecumseh District Library, visit: tecumsehlibrary.org.