Pictured are Library Board Chair Colleen Foley, Friends Director Cathy Walsh, volunteers Jann Tobias and Betty Tagliamonti, Friends Directors Rena Kuhl and Patricia Heaney, volunteer Saima Ajmal and Village Trustee Bruce Torino.
Representatives of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library received proclamations from several state and local officials during the October 20, 2025 Library Board of Trustees meeting, recognizing its steadfast support of the Library’s critical importance in the community, ensuring the Library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services.
Recognitions included a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Laura Gillen, a Proclamation from Senator Siela A. Bynoe, a Citation from New York State Assemblyman Edward P. Ra, a Citation from Nassau County Legislator John J. Giuffré, a Certificate of Recognition from Town Supervisor John Ferretti and the Town Board and a Citation from Garden City Mayor Ed Finneran.
In recognizing outstanding civic organizations that have rendered significant contributions for the enhancement of the community and betterment of residents, the Village citation read, in part: “the Friends’ donation of their time and commitment to the Library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.”
The Friends of the Garden City Library were established in 1952. Fundraising efforts include ongoing used book sales and two large book and raffle sales held each fall and spring. The upcoming fall sale will be Saturday, November 1. In March, the Friends generously donated a seating group with five arm chairs, two of which are power enabled, two side tables and three pull-up tables to enable patrons to work at lap height. The new furniture pieces are located in the back of the Library near the large windows and close to the book sale area which is popular for patrons browsing for bargains. The shelving in the sale section was also donated by the Friends.
National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of Library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united. To learn more about how to become a member or supporter of the Friends, please contact the Library at 742-8405 or visit https://gardencitypl.org/friends/.