Friends of the Hillsboro Public Library will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Hillsboro Public Library, 819 High Ave. All area residents interested in supporting the library are invited to attend.

“Our primary purpose is providing resources—money and volunteers—to support the library’s educational mission,” said Bob Potter, president of the Friends group, “We raise funds through book sales and the Musicale in July, and we have lots of fun in the process.”

One example of a Friends activity that extends the library’s educational mission is the “Drop-In,” in which Wisconsin authors and other interesting guest speakers present programs on such wide-ranging topics as climbing Mount Everest, coin collecting, astronomy, and the creation of a national park in the Driftless area.

“The library is so much more than a collection of books,” added Potter, “it’s a place where community members can gather socially and experience the talent of local musicians, authors, explorers, and experts in a wide range of subjects.”

Members of the Friends of the Hillsboro Public Library may work the “Booktique” (book store) in the library a few hours a month, help organize events such as the Musicale, or handle an administrative chore, such as taking notes at meetings, depending on their interests and time available. Most important, according to Potter, are ideas: “What can we purchase for the library next? Do you have ideas for exciting new fundraisers? What kinds of programs could we offer the community through the library?”

Membership is only $5 a year. Benefits include enjoyable interaction with other Friends, early bird access to book sales, and the opportunity to help make the library an even more valuable asset to Hillsboro. If all this sounds interesting, please attend the Aug. 6 meeting at 5:30 p.m.