Part of Susan Tucker’s new job is to make as many friends as possible.
No, she’s not a social director.
The Oxford resident was elected president of the Oxford Public Library Friends last week.
Tucker, an active member of the Friends since spring 2001, is employed as a vice president and human resources director for Oxford Bank.
Her employment with the community-oriented bank fueled Tucker’s desire to become more involved in the town and give something back to her neighbors.
“I wanted to do something that I liked and I’ve always loved libraries and reading and books,” she said. “I’m a big proponent of literacy.”
“The Friends seemed like a natural choice and the perfect fit for me,” Tucker added.
As president, Tucker said her primary goal will be to increase membership and community outreach.
“Using newspaper articles, mailers, fliers and the local community access cable channel, I hope to increase the Friends’ visibility in the community and let people know what we’re about and what we do,” she said. “We’re here to support and improve the library, not just through our numerous financial donations and gifts, but through staging events and volunteering our time and hard work. The Friends is a free resource to the library.”
“Right now, we’re looking into the possibility of helping sponsor Concerts in Centennial Park next summer and perhaps setting up an information table,” Tucker added. “It’s a popular venue that always draws a good crowd. We hope to capitalize on that success.”
The new president hopes to make joining the Friends an appealing idea to the large number of new families with young children that have moved and are moving to Oxford.
“We have a huge, untapped resource with Waterstone alone,” she said. “Waterstone’s just a gold mine of potential membership.”
Heightening awareness about what a valuable institution the local library is to families will be an important part of the Friends’ campaign, Tucker explained.
“The library is a place of knowledge, entertainment and learning for children and adults alike,” she said. “There’s all sorts of activities and resources here ranging from reading clubs to internet access to movie nights.”
“It’s not just some place with a collection of old books, it’s a part of the family. It teaches our children and helps them grow into learned adults,” Tucker added.
Aside from increasing the Friends’ membership and visibility, Tucker wishes to “maintain and strengthen the good relationship we have with the library and community.”
“I want to keep in close communication with everybody,” she said.
Tucker wanted it noted that the Friends’ popular Storybook Gala, which has been held every May for the past seven years will “most definitely continue.”
“The Gala is one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year and a tradition in our community,” she said. “It’s also a fun social event that many people look forward to.”
Former Friends President Connie Miller, whom Tucker described as the “creative force” behind the Gala, will continue organizing the event.
Next year’s Storybook Gala theme is “Travel.”
Miller said the idea for the theme came from Friends member Jane Harlow, who always says, “Books are a magic carpet ride. They’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
The “Travel” Gala will honor John and Jan Fizel as the “2004 Friends of the Year.” An article featuring the Fizels will be forthcoming in February.
For more information about the Oxford Public Library Friends call Miller at 969-0658.