The Spanish Fort Public Library is midway through its celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week, which kicked off on Oct. 20 and continues through Oct. 26.

The week, now in its 16th annual observance, recognizes the essential role the Friends of the Library group plays in enhancing the library's services to the community.

The Friends of the Spanish Fort Library support the library by raising supplemental funds that help sponsor a wide range of public programs. These include author talks, story hours, movie screenings, and cultural events that enrich the lives of Spanish Fort residents.

"The library has always been an integral part of my life. As an active member of Friends I enjoy expanding awareness of the multitude of services available to the community," said Friends Membership Chair Curtis Van Order. "I truly enjoy being able to give something back – and being an active member of this group is fun!"

A highlight of the week is a three-day book sale, set to begin tomorrow, Oct. 24, and run through Oct. 26. The first hour of the sale, on Thursday, will be open exclusively to new and renewing members of the Friends group. Those interested in joining ahead of the event can visit www.facebook.com/FriendsOfSFPL or stop by the library for more information.

We rely on the Friends," said library director Shanavia Reed. "The funds they raise definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends."

For more information about the week's events and how to join the Friends of the Library, contact the Spanish Fort Public Library at (251) 410-7323 or visit www.SpanishFortPublicLibrary.org.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, which supports advocacy, fundraising and governance for libraries across the nation. For more details, visit www.ala.org/united.