PLCH Library Links Spring 2013 | Page 15

FR IEN DS OF T HE P UB L I C LIBRA RY Library Friends’ Shop Now Sells Handmade Items from Nicaragua Cincinnati residents Nancy and Chuck Caine began their own microbusiness after a trip to Somoto, Nicaragua, where they met the “Kids of Cascabel.” These orphaned and abandoned children, who once lived in a garbage dump, now have a two-story home, a safe family environment, and a chance to attend school thanks to the efforts of a children’s ministry in Nicaragua and American partners such as the Caines. At Cascabel Creations, items such as fabric bags and handcarved bird ocarinas (flutes) are made to be sold through microbusinesses in the United States. The products available at the Library Friends’ Shop help support the “Kids of Cascabel” and hundreds of children’s feeding centers throughout Nicaragua. Items available in the Friends’ Shop: •Beautiful array of handmade bird ocarinas $9.99 •“Children of the World” small purse $9.99 •Hobo purse with adjustable strap in bright Guatemalan fabrics $19.99 •Tote bag made of recycled coffee bags and bright Guatemalan fabrics $19.99 One of the “Kids of Cascabel” shows off a handmade ocarina. Behind her are bricks purchased from funds raised by the sale of items like the ocarina. The bricks were used to build a home for the abandoned Cascabel children, who once lived in a garbage dump in Nicaragua. LIBRARY FRIENDS APPRECIATION SALE Friends members enjoy a 25% discount in the Shop from April 1-15 during the Annual Friends Appreciation Sale! Shop Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 513-369-6920, [email protected] Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ Friends-of-the-Public-Library-of-Cincinnati-HamiltonCounty/70383726212 Last year, thousands of volunteer hours helped the Friends maintain the gift shop, and ready books for the numerous book sales held at the warehouse, Main Library, and selected branches. The book sales have been going on for 40 years, and the shop is ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall. Volunteers at the annual June Used Book Sale at the Main Library. Friends Volunteers Enjoy Rewarding Experience Former librarian Doris Hoskins has been a volunteer in the Library Friends’ Shop at the Main Library for a year. She feels it’s a great way to support the Library. “I get to spend time in a fun environment, work with wonderful people, and serve customers who also love reading and the Library,” she said. “Although I am still employed full time, being of service in a relaxing environment is a great way to spend part of my day off.” Volunteer efforts help the Friends raise funds to benefit the Library, providing thousands of free programs for adults and children, sponsoring special events and author talks, and adding to the Library’s collection. If you are interested in becoming a Friends volunteer at these sales or future ones, email [email protected] or call (513) 369-6035. Doris Hoskins FRIENDS annual meeting The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Public Library will be held on Friday, May 10, at 11:30 a.m. at the Friends Warehouse, 8456 Vine St. in Hartwell. Please RSVP at (513) 369-6035 or [email protected]. LibraryLinks | Spring 2013 15