By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
The Brewton Public Library has friends across the city - and now it's official.
Friends of the Brewton Public Library, a new organization, will assist the library and encourage community advocacy for the library.
The members support the library collection, programs, services and facilities through fundraising and donations.
A house behind the library at 920 Belleville Ave. was a donation to the City of Brewton with the intention to be used by the library.
The house has been remodeled to accommodate space for volunteers to do a number of activities, including clubs and meetings.
The immediate need is for volunteers, as this facility will be operated by volunteers and there are no paid positions. Susan Jennings, the president of Friends of the Library, said the hours would not be long.
Other area cities have similar organizations.
Brooke Walker, director of the Brewton Public Library, said she welcomes the Friends.
With the help of Thad Moore, Vance Kilgore, Mayor Ted Jennings and the Library Board, the organization is off to a good beginning.
Including Jennings, officers for 2008 are Byron Findley, secretary; Gayle Fountain, treasurer; and board members, Doris Crewell, Sue Downing, Betty Campbell and Emily Wesley.
The public is invited to join this group to help with the activities with book sales, publicity, membership hospitality, special projects and house upkeep. The group asks for the community's help in volunteering or in the form of contributions of books or money. Membership dues range from student at $5 to corporate organizations.