ABOUT THE FRIENDS

In 1997, the library was located in downtown Marshall in a former department store building. Dampness
and the odor of mildew permeated the air surrounding a small group of library patrons as they
brainstormed ideas for providing the community with a more spacious, brighter, healthier
library. Thus began the Friends of the Madison County Library.

Together, they launched a successful fundraising campaign, jumpstarted by the donation of the
land for the site and $300,000 from the state. It took many volunteers and hours of grant and
letter writing, phone calling, and various smaller fundraisers to make the money needed to
prepare the site and erect the current building. Madison County, led by this group of Friends,
proved it could move mountains. Citizens from all over the county contributed what they could
to make this dream a reality, and in 2003 the ribbon was cut, the Friends handing the building
over to the county.

Since then, FMCL has supported the library by sponsoring programs for children, teens, and
adults, purchasing equipment and books, building the playground, and providing assistance as
needed. The Madison Native Garden Initiative sprang from a group of gardeners in the Friends
who took it upon themselves to landscape the grounds, creating themed gardens and a trail.
Volunteers are essential in maintaining the quality of our library and its services. Though our
major fundraisers are book sales and raffles, we’re always open to new ideas.

We are always seeking new members with fresh perspectives and experiences to join us in our
efforts. It truly does take a village.