DALTON — When it comes to funding, according to Dalton Community Library Board President Gerry Wren, the library relies on a handful of sources: grants from the state and county governments, individual donations from the community, proceeds from its annual book sales and contributions from its own fundraising group, the Friends of the Dalton Community Library. It is then up to the board to decide where the money goes.

This year’s big donation of $1,950 from the Friends group was earmarked for two purposes – the first a tree cutting project on the property and the second what Wren claims is one of the library’s most important aspects, the summer reading program.

“That’s why we’re so happy for the Friends group,” he said.

“The only goal of the Friends of the Dalton Community Library is to raise money to fill in the gaps that their normal budget doesn’t cover and give them some extras,” said Friends President Cynthia Holbert.

The group does this through just two avenues annually: its membership drive and its herb sale.

It is always seeking new members, and membership dues are $5 for individuals, $10 for families and $20 for businesses. People can join or get more information by visiting the library or calling 570-563-2014.

The Herb and Perennial Festival is held each year on the Saturday following Mother’s Day a block away at the Dalton Fire Hall. This year, it falls on May 20 and will begin at 9 a.m., lasting until the plants are sold out, which the members said usually happens by noon.

“It’s getting better every year,” said Holbert. “We’re very pleased with the support we’ve gotten from the community.”

She added the group is especially grateful for the generosity of Cynthia Harrison, who donates the perennials for the sale.

The festival also offers a food table and gardening books, both available for donations and representatives from the The Penn State Master Gardener Program are on hand to answer questions and provide information about the herbs and gardening.

Members of the Friends of the Dalton Community Library and the library’s board of directors meet for a check presentation. From left, first row, Bonnie Flynn, Friends member; Cynthia Holbert, Friends president, and Helen Stec, Friends member. Second row, Gus Vlassis, board treasurer; Shu Qiu, library director; Gerard Wren, board president, and Yvette Vinson, board secretary.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_ABJ-DCL-Friends.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the Friends of the Dalton Community Library and the library’s board of directors meet for a check presentation. From left, first row, Bonnie Flynn, Friends member; Cynthia Holbert, Friends president, and Helen Stec, Friends member. Second row, Gus Vlassis, board treasurer; Shu Qiu, library director; Gerard Wren, board president, and Yvette Vinson, board secretary. Elizabeth Baumeister | Abington Journal
Annual Herb and Perennial Festival scheduled for May 20

By Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.