Background Statement
The Friends of the Pine River Public Library (FOL) was incorporated on 3/29/93 under the law of Colorado. We started as a small group of dedicated library lovers and have continued to grow in both size and dedication over the years.
As a 100% volunteer organization, the FOL provides both manpower and fiscal support to the award-winning Pine River Library (PRL). Our manpower support involves providing assistance at library events, stocking community bookshelves, and sorting donated books to determine how to best use them to promote literacy and entertainment. Our fiscal support provides the library with items that extend beyond their operating budget (e.g., special library programs, after-school snacks for hungry youth, scholarships, CPR training supplies, science center maintenance, and library furnishings.
Based on recent interviews with more than 70 community members, increased and/or renewed connection with others was identified as a high need area. During the recent pandemic, isolation took a major toll on feelings of well being that was particularly notable among senior community members.
Thus, we are asking you to donate on Colorado Gives Day to help us develop a new senior program named “Learn Over Lunch” or LOL. Monthly luncheons with food purchased from local restaurants and with guest speakers on topics of interest to seniors will take place at the library. It is hoped this new program will offer opportunities for improved mental health, increased socialization, life-long learning, and healthy food for our seniors.