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April 14, 2004

ULM's Friends of the Library Will Hold Celebration on Campus

Friends of the Library at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (FOL) is holding a special community event on Wednesday, April 21, from 4-6 p.m. in BellTower Books, located on the fourth floor of the ULM Library on the 4th floor through the main entrance.

At the beginning of the event, FOL will present a significant financial contribution to ULM President James E. Cofer. Following the endowment announcement, Dr. John Knesel, ULM associate professor of biology, will officially open the search for The Friends Fellow to encourage research of ULM's Special Collections materials. Refreshments will be served and BellTower Books volunteers will hold a Birthday Book Sale. Prices will be discounted to celebrate BellTower Books' tenth year of operation.

As a special feature, Jason Nelson, a local artist and ULM graduate of the Visual Arts Department, will sign copies of his BellTower art print at 4:30 p.m. this print was commissioned by FOL especially for this occasion. Fifty signed, limited edition numbered prints and 150 unsigned prints will be available for sale during this time.

Building the endowment fund is a primary goal of the FOL organization at ULM. FOL President Elaine Smith noted, "The Friends of the Library board members are unanimous in the goal to grow the Library Endowment as a means to help build a collection for the future. Some contributions are specifically given with the stipulation that the gift will be added to the endowment fund." FOL has made additional contributions in the past. As one example, Smith added, "Several years ago we made possible the purchase of 200 reference books at a total cost of $25,000."

FOL at ULM is a nonprofit 501 3c organization that provides advocacy and financial support for ULM's Library. FOL projects include The Friends Fellowship to fund academic research at ULM Special Collections; co-sponsor of certain ULM English Department Speaker Series presentations; and co-sponsor of a 2003-04 "Windows On Russia" program as part of a community-wide series of over 50 programs and events by area art, cultural and civic organizations in the Monroe area.

FOL has also published The Bibliography of Louisiana Parish Histories, compiled by Dr. H. Glenn Jordan, and I think you can and I believe you will, Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943, edited by Dr. John A. Knesel and Dr. Holly B. Casey, ULM assistant professor of educational leadership.

BellTower Books, a resale bookshop in ULM's Library, is managed by volunteers and provides an ongoing source of income for the FOL organization. Donations of books, CDs, records, VHS tapes, DVDs, select magazines, maps and related items, are accepted all year long. Some donated items may be added directly to the library shelves. For example, current novels may be added to the leisure reading area. Other books and related items are sold in BellTower Books. Donations will be welcome during the event.

The shop is open to the public. Hours are 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays according to the university schedule. Hours of operations vary during the summer term. FOL publications are available in the shop, as well as FOL note cards featuring images of the new library and library locations of the past.

FOL memberships are available in the shop or at the Library Office. For additional information, please call the University Library office at 342-1050.

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