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| Our Friend Maria and staff member Erica |
If you visit the Post Road Library, you will find the entrance to the Friends
Bookstore tucked in the corner by the Holds shelves. The FCPL Friends and
Advocates is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising
funds that support programs, resources, materials, and staff at Forsyth County
Public Library (FCPL). The Friends have bookstores at the Cumming, Post Road,
Sharon Forks, and Denmark Libraries, and they maintain self-serve shelves
at the Hampton Park Library. The revenue generated from the Friends Bookstores funds engaging and informative Library programs for all ages and supports staff and patrons with resources and materials beyond the Library's budget.
We call our bookstore volunteers Friends and Maria is one of many Friends
who is near and dear to the patrons and staff. With a unique story and a
deep passion for the library, she is a wonderful part of our community and
brings a distinct brightness to the bookstore.
Maria immigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1961 at the age of 12.
She and her older sister traveled without their parents to attend school in
Arizona. Maria has always had a special love for books; she fondly remembers
her father taking her to the big library in Havana and how special those
trips were to her. "I was always the kid to read all of my school books
before school started. I could not get enough!"
Once she entered high school, the library became a second home. Since she
had after-school programs and could not go home before they began, she would
spend hours among the shelves. She recalls how welcoming the librarians made
her feel and how vital the library was at that age. Maria was often alone
until her family returned late at night and the library provided a sense of
safety.
Maria volunteers as a way to stay involved with the library. Even though it
has been years since she was that little girl coming to the library, her
love and passion for it has not dimmed. She loves interacting with the
community, especially the children. As a former school teacher, she has a
special place in her heart for children and their love of books. She is a
strong believer that reading makes a huge difference in a child's life. When
asked, "What do you love about the library?" Her response was heartfelt: "I
love all of the staff here; they make me feel like I am welcomed. I love the
programming—there is always more to learn! The guest speakers always teach
me something new!" Maria most enjoys our knitting and crochet programming as
a way to keep her mind sharp! She is always looking for ways to learn new
skills and the library provides that for her. The staff are very grateful
for our Friend Maria and the joy she brings to the bookstore every day.
Some of Maria's favorite books at the library include:
Maria is an outstanding example of how the Friends of the Library support
FCPL. If Maria’s story has inspired you, you can find out more about
becoming a Friend at
on the FCPL Friends and Advocates website.
Erica Myers
Information Specialist
Post Road Library
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