Library group begins annual fund-raising

Last week the Friends of the Bullard Community Library launched its 2007-08 membership campaign.

"We hope that we can count on you this next year," said member Tony Padrucco.

According to Padrucco, it takes about $34,000 each year to run the library.

The Friends budget for 2006 was to be responsible for $15,000 of these operating expenses.

Last year the group raised more than $17,000.

"This shows the Friends role is important to the library," Padrucco said. "We raised this amount through our usual fundraisers: the on-going sale of used books, Christmas bake sale, through community contributions to the membership campaign and the first golf tournament. "

The budget for 2007-08 is $18,000.

"So you see we need your continued support," he said.

The Friends of the Bullard Community Library provides funds for the day-to-day expenses of the library.

The capital campaign committee is in the process of writing grants and collecting donations for a new library building to be built on Sawyer Street between Rather Street and FM 2493.

The campaign has collected more than $333,000.

This year, the group received its non-profit status.

The first Friends annual meeting as a non-profit group will be held Sept. 27. The meeting will be held at the United Methodist Church in Bullard and the guest speaker will be Smith County Sheriff J. B. Smith.

According to Padrucco, the group needs to generate far more operating money each year when the new library is built.

"The golf tournament was a great source of revenue for the Friends," he said.

This year's tournament is Sept. 17 at Eagle's Bluff Country Club.

Entry forms and sponsor forms may be found on the library Web site, www.bullardlibrary.org, and at the library, 211 W. Main St.

Copies of the annual newsletter with more information about the Friends and a membership form were being mailed last week.

For more information, come by the library or call 903- 894-6125.

Contributions may be made to Friends of the Bullard Community Library, P.O. Box 368, Bullard, TX, 75757.