This week has been designated National Friends of Libraries Week by Friends of Libraries USA (now ALTAFF). Friends of the Hickory Public Library from the Patrick Beaver and Ridgeview libraries participate as members of Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries. They, as well as Friends groups throughout the state, are vocal advocates for all public libraries.
Mayor Rudy Wright recently issued a proclamation designating the week of Oct. 19-25 as National Friends of the Library Week in the City of Hickory.
Friends of Hickory Public Library is an active volunteer organization supporting Patrick Beaver and Ridgeview libraries with money raised in used book sales and other projects. The sales provide low-cost books for our community's readers.
The Friends give support to summer reading programs for children, adult programming and the digitization of genealogical records and often purchases pieces of equipment not covered in local library budgets.
The doors of Hickory's Libraries open wide with free access to all and are warm and friendly places. I urge you to join the local Friends of the Hickory Public Library to volunteer your talents and to celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week.
Alice Spuller
President
Friends of North Carolina
Public Libraries
Hickory
More people need services of United Way
National surveys report that the middle- and low-income classes are the two groups that have been most affected the by the recession, and I know this is true in Catawba County.
As middle-class workers lose their jobs, the same folks who used to donate to charities have become the fastest-growing set of recipients, and this is what makes this recession different — the type of people needing help. It's no longer the homeless or the poor.
Many of these people have never navigated the public assistance bureaucracy before, and that makes getting aid to them a challenge. At Catawba County United Way, this scenario has been identified and is being addressed.
This year's campaign is setting out to meet these critical needs in our community by focusing on the fundamental issues like shelter, food, mortgage, rent, and utilities assistance.
However, these are not the only needs in the community. Many families are feeling increased stress due to finances, there has been a rise in domestic violence and a need for counseling. There is a need for childcare subsidies, as families with reduced incomes need a safe place to put their children while they continue working.
One resource that will prove essential in connecting the community to these services is 211 — a three-digit phone number that can be dialed 24/7 for free, confidential assistance.
Another resource that is critical is donations to Catawba County United Way from those who are fortunate enough to be employed and/or financially stable. I realize that even those who may be employed are still struggling, but certainly most of us could spare a small amount to help this community recover.
I call on those who are retired in this community. As a retiree in this wonderful county, I know how lucky we are to live in such a place. This year, our contributions to the United Way are needed more than ever.
Contact Catawba County United Way to donate time or money by calling 828-327-6851, or send a donation to P.O. Box 2425, Hickory, NC, 28603.
Let's do our part to spur a recovery in Catawba County.
Larry Aiello
Conover
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