Even before its official founding in 1983, a loose organization of people like Joy Griffin, Margaret Pate and Cleo Webb helped raise money for the old library on Pioneer Avenue.

Need a typewriter? How about a set of encyclopedias?

"We funded their very first computer," Webb, now a Friends board member, said of one project at the old library. "There are so many things we were able to fund that weren't in the city budget."

That relationship has carried over through two libraries.

"To provide support for library programs and services, to raise funds that enrich the library experience and to promote the use and enjoyment of the library" is the Friends' official mission. Except for a few staff-run programs, almost any special event held at the library is organized by the Friends. From Craig Phillips' chapter book readings to the monthly writing programs, the Friends keep the library humming into the evening.

"We put on a lot of programs that help people have the resources they need to succeed," said Carey James, the part-time coordinator for the Friends.

One big project and fundraiser is the twice-yearly used book, plant and bake sale. James said people will spend hundreds of dollars at 50 cents or a dollar per book at the sale. If you want first crack at the books, a $10 membership entitles bibliophiles to attend sale previews. About 30 volunteers run that sale and pull it off smoothly, James said.

"These people are amazing. It happens without any effort or infringement on staff time," she said. "People know their roles."

Helping out with the used book sale is an ongoing volunteer need, James said. From 30 to 50 people volunteer regularly out of the 250 Friends members. Volunteers also are needed for things like the summer reading program and the Scrabble tournament.

Like any good volunteer organization, the fun comes not just in doing a good deed, but getting to know other volunteers.

"We had fun," Webb said of working with the Friends. "I could never drop out. When you're in an organization where you're enjoying people, you can never drop out."

James said that a healthy membership roster is important for getting grants, since it shows strong community support. People can donate to the Friends by buying raffle tickets for the annual quilt on sale $1 each or five for $6 or by buying one of the copper fish on the wall by the library entrance. Little fish are $100 and big fish are $500, with space for individual or business names. Donors also can purchase a book spine at $100 on the endowment quilt, a fundraiser for the Friends' Homer Foundation endowment.

That spirit of giving has been strong even during the recession, James said. "They are generous. They continue to be generous during this financial chaos," she said. "We are thankful for that."

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michael. armstrong@homernews.com.