The Friends in Council Women’s Study Group is sponsoring the Princeton Public Library Cafe for the month of May, plus another month later this year. The monthly sponsor programs are intended to promote the information and services the library provides for people of all ages. According to Friends in Council member, and Princeton Public Library Board Trustee, Carolyn Schafer, “The Friends in Council recognize the importance of developing and fostering the love of reading of everyone in the community, from early childhood to the golden years of life”.
Friends in Council was organized on July 28, 1880, for the improvement of women by means of reading and studying. The group limited membership to 24 women (later changed to 25) of mature age willing to work and study. Today, the group still abides by a charter, with slight updates and modifications, set by original members in the 1880s. They are limited to 25 members at any given time and meet weekly from October to April (to coincide with the school year).
The Friends in Council has used the cafe to hold their meetings since the Cafe opened in 2010. Friends in Council member and long-time employee of the library, Margaret Martinkus said, “Our group appreciates how the cafe provides a service that sets it apart from other libraries in the area.”
The Cafe Sponsorship program was initiated in 2016 to support the cafe while promoting local businesses and non-profit organizations. Unfortunately, it was put on hold from 2020 to 2023 in response to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. With patrons now comfortable returning to the library, the board of trustees and the staff are thrilled to
relaunch the program.
To explore the opportunities of becoming a monthly sponsor of the Princeton Public Library Cafe, please contact the library at 815-875-1331 or by email at [email protected].