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FRIENDS OF CLYMER LIBRARY
The Friends of Clymer Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to support and enhance the library services to the community. Please join us and become a Friends member for as little as $25. Download the form, fill it out and send it with your membership payment to Friends of Clymer Library, 115 Fireside Road, Pocono Pines, PA 18350.
Friends of Clymer Library Celebrates Milestone Achievements and Future Renovations at Annual Members Dinner - June 2026
The Friends of Clymer Library hosted its Annual Members Celebration Dinner on June 16, gathering dedicated library advocates to reflect on a successful year of community impact and to announce major financial contributions toward the library's upcoming 2026–2027 remodeling project.
The evening served as a formal venue to honor the library’s leadership, staff, and dedicated volunteers. Friends President Phyllis Miller opened the program by recognizing the Friends Board of Trustees, including Vice President Joan Lippi, Recording Secretary Susan Straquadanio, Treasurer Angel Wible, Corresponding Secretary/Historian Hilary Decker, and Past President Joanna Beedenbender, alongside directors Emily Bradley, Michelle Groleau, Ellen Kagan, Diane Lake, Louise Leon, Linda Long, and Dori Whitehurst.
Special recognition was given to Library Director Melissa Lopez, who is currently recovering from a serious concussion, and the exceptional staff members—Love Beatty, Ian Boyd, Dakota DeMarco, Jeffrey Grubstein, Tyler Hamilton, and Carol Yates—who have seamlessly maintained library operations in her absence. The Clymer Board of Trustees leadership, including President Lynn Warmke, John Ryan, Val Yura, and Phil Whitehurst, were also praised for their ongoing stewardship of the institution.
Strong Financial Health and Expansion Plans
The annual Treasurer report presented a robust financial position, confirming that the Friends of Clymer Library is in an ideal position to fund upcoming campus advancements.
As of May 31, 2026, the organization holds $10,000 in restricted funds specifically earmarked for Book Store improvements, with an additional healthy cash balance of $34,620.66.
The Friends organization has already distributed $6,900 to Clymer Library to fund custom benches for the outdoor Story Walk and initial designs for the newly dedicated Friends Book Store space. This expansion is being executed in lockstep with Clymer Library's major 2026 and 2027 building remodeling initiatives.
A copy of the financial statement is available to all members upon request.
Community Impact and Volunteer Highlights
During the evening, several board members highlighted the key pillars of the organization's community support:
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The Importance of Advocacy: Board member Dori Whitehurst emphasized how annual member contributions drive local literacy and educational initiatives.
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National Friends of Libraries Week: Vice President Joan Lippi shared the success of the October poster contest held with local students at Tobyhanna Elementary Center (TEC). To commemorate the event, attendees received custom bookmarks designed by Michelle Groleau featuring winning student artwork.
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Annual Book Sale: Past President Johanna Beedenbender previewed the highly anticipated annual August Book Sale, which serves as one of the group's primary fundraising engines alongside the winter Holiday Boutique and year-round bookstore sales.
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Beautification Efforts: The volunteer gardeners who maintain the beautiful Friends Perennial Garden at Clymer were celebrated, with certificates awarded to Emily Bradley, Susan Alloway, Susan Straquadanio, Liz Ryan, Millie King, Ceal Pilon, Joan Lippi, Lisa Tracy, Ginny Fields, and Mary Daniel.
Since its inception, the Friends of Clymer Library has grown from a grassroots bylaws committee into a fully operational 501(c)(3) powerhouse. Moving forward, the organization is expanding its mission from financial support to providing hands-on volunteer assistance for primary library events, including the upcoming community FunFest.
About Friends of Clymer Library
Founded in 2017, the Friends of Clymer Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, enhancing, and expanding the services of the Clymer Library. Through volunteerism, fundraising events, and community advocacy, the Friends ensure the library remains a vibrant, modern hub for lifelong learning.
Contact Us:
Friends of Clymer Library
Pocono Pines, PA 18350
Email: friendsofclymerlibrary@gmail.com
