Who We Are

 

We are lovers of books, movies, games, and puzzles. We love and support our Spring Hill Public Library, so please join us!

Mission

The Friends of the Library (FOL) mission is to raise funds and public awareness in the community to support the Spring Hill Public Library. FOL is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The FOL provides support to the Library and its staff in a variety of ways.

What We Do

Our primary roles are:

  • Advocacy
    • Attending Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings
    • Communicating with legislators on topics important to libraries
    • Voting for state and local candidates who demonstrate support for libraries
  • Volunteering
    • Assisting library staff with daily operational tasks
    • Recognizing staff birthdays
    • Providing help and financial support for library programs
    • Participating in events that honor the library and its staff
  • Fundraising
    • Accepting and sorting donations
    • Helping with book sales – quarterly, pop-up, on-line, 2nd Look Book Store
    • Coordinating and volunteering for special fundraising events as needed

Please see our current brochure for more information!

Library History

The Spring Hill Community Library (now The Spring Hill Public Library) was the direct result of the community’s desire for a library and their willingness to work toward that goal. With the leadership of Mrs. Patricia (Pat) Selle, the library opened its doors.  Mrs. Selle bought the Rosenwald School on McLemore Street, which was originally built for the education of freed slaves and later served as a school for African-American students. Mrs. Selle was quoted as saying, “It felt that it was very symbolic, as a library is a way of dispensing knowledge, thus freeing men’s minds.” Mrs. Selle, along with other Spring Hill citizens, presented the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with a petition that showed the community’s support of a library. This was the beginning of the first library. The City rented the property for $30.00 a month. The city also provided $2,500 in initial funding; Blue Grass Regional Library donated 2,000 books; furniture and shelving were donated by individuals in the community; and volunteers renovated the building. A Ruling Board was formed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen which later became the Friends of the Spring Hill Library.  On May 3, 1975, about 200 visitors, out of a population of 1,000, attended the Grand Opening ceremonies.

In 1980, the Library moved to the former Tom Kinnard Drugstore on Main Street. Again, the community came together. Volunteers gave many hours of time, supplies and furnishings for the new location. The Library moved on September 3, 1980, and an Open House was held on Sunday, September 28, 1980.

In 1981, the Library became the Spring Hill branch of the Maury County Library and was subject to the County Board. The Ruling Board was then dissolved on September 25, 1982, and “The Friends of the Spring Hill Library” (FOL) was organized.  The Friends of the Library by-laws were drawn up to assist the Library Director and make long-range plans for a permanent location.

On August 18, 1982, the Library moved to its third location, also located on Main Street, in the First Farmers and Merchants Bank building that is now Jimmy’s Cleaners. Once again, community support and the Friends of the Library made it possible.

In August of 1998, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution creating an independent library for Spring Hill by withdrawing from the Maury County Public Library System effective September 1, 1998.

In March of 2001, the City of Spring Hill purchased “The Center for Discovery,” the Saturn daycare, at auction. In April 2002, the Spring Hill Public Library opened its doors at the present location at 144 Kedron Parkway.

Through the years, dedicated groups of supporters have volunteered time and talent to the library. Whether it is covering books, shelving books, cooking meals to show appreciation to the staff, honoring birthdays, helping decorate the library for holidays or raising money to provide needed items and programing, FOL members have done it all.

In the early 1990s, a monumental effort was started to gather stories from current and former residents who grew up in Spring Hill. The result was the publication in 2002 of a book titled Spring Hill: Everybody Has a Story. While the initial printing of the book sold out some time ago, copies are available and can be checked out at the library.

Through the years, the Friends of the Spring Hill Library has sponsored a variety of fundraising efforts to support the Library.  From square dances, book sales and flea markets in earlier days, to our current quarterly book sale, Amazon online book sale, Amazon Smile Program, Kroger Community Rewards Program, and our 2nd Look Book Store located in the Library. We have raised thousands of dollars with the sole purpose of supporting the library.

With the continued growth of the city, the Library also continues to expand patron services and resources and has outgrown the present location. Many options have been discussed, and there is hope for a new building in the Library’s future.  The Friends of the Spring Hill Library is committed to the staff and the patrons to ensure that our library remains “a window to the world and an inspiration to explore through reading and research” for future generations.