You are cordially invited to join the Friends of the Armstrong Library Board for our annual membership event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23.

Norma Bearden is hosting the meeting at her lovely home at 802 North Union Street, The John Dicks House, affectionally known by Natchezians as the Pepto-Bismol House. It has a rich history as one of the most outstanding Colonial Revival buildings in the state.

Light refreshments will be served. 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?” Our common goal is to support our library. Each fall, a social event, “A Gathering of Friends,” celebrates accomplishments, encourages memberships and welcomes new officers and board members. Membership is affordable: individuals are $15 and contributors are $25 or more. Please join us this year.

FOL fills many needs left unmet because of cuts in state and local budgets. We sponsored the creation of the Susan Cassagne community room which hosts numerous civic and educational events, including movies, tax workshops, computer classes, organization meetings and our twice-monthly book sales. We purchased chairs for staff and public use as well as computer equipment. The microfilm reader was replaced by state-of-the-art digital technology, and we update genealogy programs yearly.

FOL raises money through membership dues, cookbook sales and used book sales. Memorial contributions and book donations are appreciated.

Additionally, we raise money with the annual Christmas Tour of homes, featuring private homes not normally open for tours. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 8, for the Christmas Tour of Homes.

Come be a Friend. Support the good works of the FOL. See you on Monday, Sept. 23. Keep your fingers crossed for cool weather.

For further information, contact the library at 601-445-8862 or check the FOL website at www.NatchezLibraryFriends.org.

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