WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The beginning of the 2011 fall semester at Missouri State University-West Plains signals a new year of activities and events for the Friends of the Garnett Library, as well as a change in the group’s sponsoring department on campus.

Throughout the summer, many of the group’s administrative duties which had been handled by campus’ development office were transitioned to the Garnett Library staff.  “We are planning several exciting programs for our luncheon meetings this year and beginning work on plans for our fundraisers.  We invite everyone to join us,” said Sylvia Kuhlmeier, director of library services at the Garnett Library.

As part of this change, area residents can contact Friends through a new phone number and e-mail address: 417-255-7940 or FriendsOfGarnettLibrary@missouristate.edu.

Officials with the Friends of the Garnett Library also have set programming for their first two luncheon meetings of the year.  On Friday, Sept. 9, they will hear a presentation from Matt Morris, director of business and support services, who will discuss the campus’ new visioning guide and give those attending a tour of the new student recreation center/emergency shelter on the corner of Garfield Avenue and West Trish Knight Street.  Construction on the $2.2 million facility, funded with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a student-approved fee, soon will be completed.  On Oct. 14, Dr. Herb Lunday, dean of student services, will moderate a panel discussion of several international students attending Missouri State-West Plains.  Students will share photos and talk about their home countries, families, languages, customs, traditions, foods and more.  Guests will have the opportunity to interact and ask questions throughout the program.

Friends of the Garnett Library meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Friday of every month from September through April.  Meetings are held in the lower level of the Lybyer Technology Center in rooms 104-105.  Parking is available in the lot off Cass Avenue on the north side of the building.  The meetings include a luncheon for $9 per person, payable at the door.  Those wishing to eat are asked to make a reservation using the new contact information for the group:  Phone 417-255-7940 or e-mail FriendsOfGarnettLibrary@missouristate.edu.  Reservations are requested by the Tuesday before the Friday meeting date.

Kuhlmeier said area residents can attend the luncheon meetings without being a member of the Friends of the Garnett Library; however, membership does carry benefits.  In addition to access to the Garnett Library’s collection, which is available to all community members, Friends members have access to over 2 million books, state documents and periodicals available through the Meyer Library on the Springfield campus; can check out up to 10 items with the Friends Borrower card; receive a guest parking pass for the West Plains campus; and receive e-mail or regular mail notifications of opportunities to participate in Friends’ monthly meetings and special events.

“Through participation in the Friends of the Garnett Library, members gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the role the Garnett Library plays in education, the campus and the community,” Kuhlmeier said.  “They also will have the opportunity to partner with the library in developing library services and facilities for the academic community.”

Annual membership costs are $5 for students, $25 for regular individual membership, $50 for patron individual membership, and $100 for premier individual membership.  Area businesses and organizations also may join for an annual fee of $100.  In addition, lifetime memberships are available at a cost of $500 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses and organizations.
To join Friends or renew a membership, complete and return a downloadable, printable form from the Friends of the Garnett Library website, http://wp.missouristate.edu/development/FriendsHomepage.htm, or call 417-255-7940.

Formed in 1992 shortly after the opening of the Garnett Library, the Friends of the Garnett Library has been a valuable link between the community and the university in helping raise awareness of the services offered by the library and its needs.  Members work diligently to ensure shelves are filled with current publications and computerized instructional equipment is kept updated to assist students with learning and faculty with teaching.  In addition to monthly meetings, the organizations host several fun and entertaining fundraisers throughout the year.

For more information about the Friends of the Garnett Library, visit the group’s website at http://wp.missouristate.edu/development/FriendsHomepage.htm or call 417-255-7940.