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Last Updated: Wednesday, 08 February 2023 16:05

Published: Wednesday, 08 February 2023 16:04

As friendly gestures go, it’s hard to top the Friends of the Toowoomba City Library group’s parting gift to Toowoomba Regional Council.

Members of the disbanded Friends recently presented $14,000 to Council for use in ongoing Toowoomba City Library programs.

TRC Library and Cultural Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said similar acts of generosity were a hallmark of the Friends’ work over the years.

“The volunteer group lived up to its charter to ensure the welfare of the library and the residents who valued its many services,” Cr McMahon said.

“Their final act of generosity, in line with their constitution, is gratefully accepted and will be used to support the Home Library Service, in addition to youth engagement programs and events.

“The Friends gave their time for almost 25 years to support and promote library activities and services.

“Their work ranged from raising awareness of libraries and the breadth of services available for all ages, encouraging library membership, lobbying for a new library and fundraising.

“As passionate library advocates, their enthusiastic fundraising efforts contributed around $180,000 to numerous library activities over the years.

“Funds have aided the Home Library Service for eligible people who are unable to visit the library, youth engagement initiatives, support programs for refugees and new Australians and some of the library’s large community events, such as pop culture festival TooCon, Wizarding World, Galactic Fest, the Spring and Sustainability Festival and other family fun days.

“Council is grateful for the incredible range of services the Friends supported so willingly and cheerfully.”

Caption: Friends of the Toowoomba City Library members (from left) Brian Wilson (Treasurer), Doreen Le May (Secretary), Jennifer Murray (book sale convenor), Margaret Taylor (President), Janet Hardwick (committee member), Kathryn Smith (committee member and editor), and Philippa MacGregor (committee member) mark their final financial contribution to Council.