Fall is nearly here, and that’s when the Friends of the Library gather for their annual membership event. A cool evening, delicious hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and lively conversations are on tap for 5 p.m. Tuesday, at the home of Genny, Bradley, and Christie Harrison at 708 Orleans St. No RSVP is necessary, and, no, you don’t have to be an FOL member to come, but we hope you will be one when you leave!

You ask, “Who are the Friends of the Library and what do they do?”

We are community folks who have the common goal of supporting our library. Each September, we host a social event, “A Gathering of Friends,” to celebrate accomplishments, encourage memberships and welcome new officers. Yearly membership is affordable: individuals are $10, families are $15 and contributors are $25 or more. Last year we enjoyed our largest membership ever, and we hope to add to that number this year.

What we do is help the library. Accomplishments of the past year include support of the summer library program, genealogy research, Prince of Slaves event, Cathedral School Festival and all special library events. FOL donates memorial books and has given books from the friends room to local nursing homes and shelters. We have purchased much needed furniture and are currently funding renovation of the restrooms. Each year we publish and mail a membership directory.

The Friends raise money for the Armstrong Library through sales of our very successful cookbook, “In the Company of Friends” and through twice monthly used book sales.

In addition to book sales and membership dues, the Friends of the Library raise money for the Armstrong Library with the annual Christmas Tour of homes. This popular event features private homes not normally open for tours. While you are marking your calendar for Tuesday, flip over to Sunday, Dec. 4 and save that afternoon for the Christmas tour.

This year’s event showcases four homes: The homes of Kirk Bondurant and Bruce Zabov, Katherine and Lindsey Callon, Marc and Chesney Doyle and Lisa and Ken Maples. Refreshments will be served at Stratton Chapel.

Join us for fun, friendship and fellowship. Come, bring a friend who is not a friend, and support the good works of the FOL. See you on Tuesday! For further information, contact the library at 601-445-8862.

Maria Bowser is the president of the Friends of the Library.