Friends of Cooper Memorial Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the library. The organization supports the library by raising money to help make unfunded and underfunded programs possible.
Half a century has passed since the inception of the Friends of Cooper Memorial Library, yet the spirit of camaraderie and dedication burns as brightly as ever. The library stands as a testament to the community’s love for knowledge and learning.
It all began on a spring day, April 8, fifty years ago when a group of impassioned individuals gathered with a shared vision: to support the library in every way possible.
Oakley Seaver, revered as the town historian, became the first president of the organization and whose name graces the very street where the library stands (2525 Oakley Seaver Dr. Clermont), Alongside him stood vice president Dorothy Arametis, whose husband Edmund’s artistic legacy lives on through his sculptures and the Arametus grant, a beacon of support for the library. Ruth Alice Ray, a woman of many talents, took on the role of secretary, her keen organizational skills driving the group forward.
In 1982, they held their inaugural book sale, a modest affair that raised a mere $125. Little did they know, it was the seed from which a flourishing tradition would grow. Fast forward to the present, and their recent book sale boasted an impressive $11,500 in funds. These proceeds, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Friends, provide funding for books, technology, furnishings, and programs including musical additions like ukuleles.
Behind every successful endeavor are the tireless efforts of volunteers. “Volunteers all help to make the work of the Friends of Cooper Memorial Library a success,” affirmed Ann Endress, the current president, echoing the sentiment shared by generations of members.
As the Friends looked towards the future, they do so with open arms, extending an invitation to all who share their passion for community and education.
Consider becoming a Friend of Cooper Memorial Library.
Cooper Memorial Library is located at 2525 Oakley Seaver Dr., Clermont/
Phone # 1-352-536-2275
