📰 About The Bookmark

The Bookmark is the Forest Hill Library District’s monthly digital newsletter — designed to keep our community informed and inspired.  Each issue of The Bookmark enlightens readers with updates on library happenings, offers valuable insight and features a Community Spotlight celebrating the people who make Forest Hill special.

Stay connected, stay curious, and stay part of our story — one issue at a time.

 

FEBRUARY 2026 

Friends of the Forest Hill Library: A Legacy of Service and Support

Behind every strong library is a community that believes in its mission. For the Forest Hill Library District, that support has long come from a devoted group of volunteers known as the Friends of the Forest Hill Library.

Formed in September 1987, the Friends of the Forest Hill Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to aid and support the library through advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. For decades, this group has worked hand-in-hand with library leadership to enhance services, promote literacy, and expand programs and resources for residents of all ages.

🌿 Rooted in Purpose

The Friends are more than supporters — they are champions of the library’s mission. Through fundraising efforts, volunteer service, and community advocacy, they help ensure the library remains a welcoming space for learning, creativity, and connection.

The Friends meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM in the Friends of the Library Community Room, continuing a long-standing tradition of collaboration and service.

🏛️ Partners in Progress

As the Forest Hill Library District looks toward the future, the Friends of the Forest Hill Library continue to stand in strong partnership with the Board of Trustees, Executive Director Michael Hardrick, and the library staff.

Their support plays an important role in advancing the proposed library expansion project, helping to advocate for the resources, awareness, and community engagement needed to bring this vision to life. Together, the Friends and library leadership share a common goal: creating a larger, more inclusive space that expands programming, enhances access, and better serves the growing needs of the residents.

This collaboration reflects a shared belief that investing in the library is an investment in the community.

🏅 Honoring a Lasting Impact

In recognition of their unwavering support, the library’s community room was officially renamed the Friends of the Library Community Room during the Library District’s 15th Anniversary Celebration in June 2023. This honor serves as a lasting tribute to the Friends’ dedication and influence.

📚 Leadership Through the Years

The strength of the Friends of the Forest Hill Library lies in its leadership — past and present.  Mrs. Ada Newsome Sami, whose more than three decades of service as President helped shape the Friends organization, supported by Mrs. Lynese Sanders, whose faithful service as Treasurer has remained a constant since the group’s inception.

Today, the Friends continue their work under a new leadership team that honors the organization’s founding values while bringing renewed energy and creativity:

• Danielle Slee, President
• Mrs. Lynese Sanders, Treasurer
• Dr. Brande Curtis, Secretary

This team has made its presence known through engaging after-hours library events, strengthened community partnerships, and ongoing support of library initiatives.

🌟 Continuing the Work

The Friends of the Forest Hill Library remain a vital force behind the library’s success — not only through fundraising and events, but through consistent advocacy and community presence. Their continued involvement helps ensure that library initiatives, including future growth and expansion, are supported by a strong and engaged community.

Through volunteerism, leadership, and partnership, the Friends help keep the library moving forward — honoring its history while actively shaping what comes next.

🤝 Get Involved

Interested in supporting your library?
Join the Friends of the Forest Hill Library and be part of a dedicated group that helps strengthen programs, resources, and community engagement.

📅 Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Friends of the Library Community Room

Membership Levels:

• 👤 Friend — $20.00
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family — $30.00
• 🌱 Young Friend — $10.00
• 👵 Senior Citizen — $10.00
• 🏢 Corporate Friend — $100.00

Your support helps ensure the Forest Hill Public Library continues to grow, serve, and inspire our community.

📅 Stay Connected

Stay connected with the Forest Hill Public Library!
Visit our monthly calendar and explore the Adults, Children’s, Teens and Family pages for the latest programs and events.  And don’t forget to check back for the next issue of The Bookmark!