Origins of foal
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1991: FOAL Forms
The Friends of the Auberry Library (FOAL) was formed by a small group of library volunteers who wanted to enhance their community by supporting their local library. At the time, the library was located in the old Reynold's Appliance Building next to Ponderosa Market. The group held its first fundraiser in order to purchase a typewriter for public use. The charter members were: Carolyn Austin, Gina Barsuglia, Jackie Bolerjack, Traudel Early, Jan Frazier, Fran Freeman, LoWayne Kittinger, Juanita Kovar, Astrid Olson, Phyllis Powers and Anne Neal. The group worked tirelessly holding regular book and bake sales, creating floats for the Auberry Fall Festival parades, organizing raffles, and collecting glass for recycling in efforts to raise funds and awareness of the Auberry library. 1996: Union Bank donates building for library Thanks to the hard work of FOAL members, library volunteers and the community, the Library was relocated in 1996 to its current location in the old Union Bank Building. As the bank was closing its Auberry location, it accepted a proposal from the local community to donate the bank for the library. The building was initially donated to the Foundation for Regional Developement and Cooperation, a group under the umbrella of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. The building was about four times larger than the old space and the library's collection was so small that the top and bottom shelves of bookcases were left empty. However, with the passage of Measure B in 1998, the Library increased the number of hours it was open and the shelves began to fill with materials. 2005: FOAL gains 501(c)(3) status As the Library expands, so does FOAL. In 2005, making a bold and exciting move, the group decided to form its own non-profit, tax-exempt organization in order to be able to accept tax deductible donations and to apply for grant funds. 2010: FOAL assumes ownership of Auberry Library building FOAL took ownership of the building on March 23, 2010 through negotiations initiated by then board president John Maxwell. |
Lifetime membersFOAL recognizes the following members with an honorary lifetime membership for their outstanding contributions to our mission:
- Bonnie Bladen - Nancy Hunter - Bev Karau - John Maxwell - Amy Poore - Jason Rinker - Peg Smith |