MONROE — October is Friends of the Monroe Public Library Month. The Friends of the Monroe Public Library is a nonprofit organization that has been providing support to the local library for over 25 years. Current initiatives include funding for programs for the library and the community. 

• The Friends presently fund the Most Wanted Collection for both adults and children. 

• The Friends contribute funds for the librarians’ continuing education. 

• The Friends award two $500 scholarships for seniors at Monroe High School. Students are awarded the scholarships based on their essays about the library. 

• The Friends also purchase needed equipment for the library, such as the meeting room projector and a digital microfilm reader. Last year the Friends contributed to the purchase of a scanner for the Green County Genealogical Society located in the lower level of the library. The scanner was used this year to complete a scan of Spring Grove Township records, providing digital access and ensuring that these records are readily available to genealogical and other researchers in the future. 

Consider joining the Friends and helping support the Monroe Public Library. In addition to the contribution to the library’s mission, Friends benefit from half-price fines and pay half-price for book sale items. A button to show support for the library will also be given during October. Sign up at the library. For more information on membership dues, or to sign up, call 608-325-7010 or visit monroepubliclibrary.org.