Letters from the President

Stay connected to our journey through reflections and updates from Marlan Green, President of FoMPL. From new beginnings to growing momentum, these letters highlight our shared efforts to support the Martinsburg Public Library and strengthen our community. 

Letter from the President November 2025

Dear FoMPL-onians,

Warm holiday greetings to you and yours!

I’ve put off writing this letter, and I’m glad I did, the cosmic forces of the universe are clearly at work. Yesterday, MBCPL staff informed me that FoMPL received a $500 check in the mail from an anonymous donor! To the generous individual who made this gift: thank you. If you are comfortable doing so, please email us at fompl@mbcpl.org so we may thank you personally.

This wonderful surprise also provides an opportunity to talk about fundraising. Over the past several months, our focus has been on building membership, and I’m thrilled to share that we are now more than one hundred strong! As we move into the new year, we’ll continue welcoming new members while also supporting MPL’s 100th birthday events and programs. It is also the right time to begin expanding our fundraising efforts.

FoMPL will be applying for a WISH (Women Investing in Shepherd) grant in January to support repairs to the library’s stonework. I am forming a fundraising committee to coordinate commercial sponsorships and oversee grant applications. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email us at fompl@mbcpl.org.

As 2025 draws to a close and 2026 approaches, I am proud of how much we have accomplished, and mindful that there is still much ahead. Soon we will be calling for volunteers to help reshelve books as MPL prepares for its reopening. We are also hosting a reception to welcome the community back to the library after 18 months of construction. Please keep an eye on your email for volunteer opportunities and event announcements.

Thank you for all you have done and for all you will do in the coming year as we continue strengthening our library and enriching our community.

See you on Saturday, December 6th at the MPL Plaza for Christmas on Main Street. The generosity of several members have made it possible for us to pass out free cocoa, candy canes and activity books for children! Sign-up to volunteer, or stop by and stay for however long you like.

Marlan Green, MLIS
President
Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library

PS: Tell your friends to donate to our Giving Tuesday campaign!

Letter from the President August 2025

Dear Friends,

Welcome!

It is such a pleasure to greet you as members of FoMPL. Just a year ago, this was only an idea in the back of my mind. Now, we are more than 75 members strong and have raised $1,940! I look forward to meeting each of you and exploring ways we can “strengthen our library and enrich our community.” Your support, whether through membership, volunteering, or donations, has already made a difference.

Although we’ve been together only a few months, much has already happened! In June, we participated in Comic Con at the Roundhouse, where we signed up new members and represented MBCPL. (Did you know that over 900 people came to Comic Con!) Later in June, about 20 FoMPL members and local garden club volunteers cleared the library plaza flower beds of weeds in just three hours! Behind the scenes, we’ve begun planning a grand fundraising event to celebrate the library’s 100th anniversary next year. Come to our upcoming meeting to learn more and get involved!

We’ve been brainstorming ways to help the library and there is much to do. From revitalizing the plaza to shifting books for reopening, we need your help! I cannot emphasize enough how important your participation is to MBCPL. In recent years, our library has lost funding, staff, and other resources. On top of that, mandatory replacement of building infrastructure systems and unexpected related costs have created financial strain. More than ever, volunteer assistance is needed just to maintain day-to-day operations. Please join us if you can on September 17th.

Please Mark your calendars for our Member's Meeting:

• Wednesday, September 17th @ 6:30 PM

• Musselman-South Berkeley Community Library

• RSVP Here

Libraries are more than shelves and books; they are community anchors. They offer free access to knowledge, technology, and opportunities for connection. In a fast-paced world, they remain steady beacons of learning, creativity, and inclusion. Every member, every dollar, and every volunteer hour help make our library an even greater resource for all. The officers and I look forward to seeing you on the 17th!

With appreciation and excitement,
Marlan Green, MLIS
President
Friends of the Martinsburg Public Library