Town to recognize Friends of the FEPL for $100K in donations
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 AM
The Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library have given another $10,000 to the Fort Erie Public Library, pushing its total donations past $100,000.
Formed in 2014, the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library will be recognized at the November 17 town council meeting for their decade of fundraising that has supported programs and equipment across all local branches.
The latest donation given to the library was raised in conjunction with their biannual used book sale last month, which raised $4,000. Funds will help refresh shelves for readers aged 10 to 14.
Lynne Kumagai, vice-president of the Friends of the Fort Erie Public Library, told Fort Erie Radio that a “large portion of the donation will go towards enhancing the junior collection at the library.”
The group was one of the charities of the week at this year’s Crystal Beach Supper Market, and they attended the Stevensville volunteer job fair in September to spread the word about library programs and membership.
The Friends organize events, deliver newsletters, and encourage residents to get involved in supporting public library services.
“We feel that the library reaches the entire community, all ages, right down to the kids. It’s a worthwhile service in our community,” said Kumagai.
The library’s staff have been welcoming partners who working closely with the Friends to maintain programs and resources when public funding is limited.
“Our relationship with the library is excellent. We have a good rapport with the CEO and staff, they are incredibly supportive,” she said.
She added that the $100,000 milestone reflects the ongoing need for community support of public library services, which depend on local fundraising to maintain programs and resources such as children’s activities, book club kits, and the Library of Things across all three branches.
“It really couldn’t have been done without the generosity of the community and (without) our volunteers and our donors,” said Kumagai.
The Friends meet monthly and are seeking new volunteers.
Their next book sale is planned for spring, and the Town of Fort Erie will present them with a certificate of recognition at the November 17 council meeting at 6 p.m.
Fort Erie lifts smoke closures as air quality improves
Lottery ticket purchased in Ridgeway wins Oakville man $100,000
All four Fort Erie beaches remain open after latest testing
About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
Stay Informed