Friends of the HCPL
The Friends of the Henry County Public Library is a separate non-profit organization that exists to support the library. Through the persistent efforts of community members, Julia Turpin, Darlene Taylor, Kyla Fitzgerald, Julie Mann and Eileen Ordover (a wonderful lawyer from the Legal Aid Society of Louisville) the Friends group was incorporated in September, 2011 and received its 501(c)3 designation in 2013.
Serving a rural community, the library plays a central role in education, promoting literacy, providing recreational activities, and supporting small businesses and non-profit organizations. The Friends group recognizes the need for a strong public library system in Henry County and is committed to strengthening the library’s presence in the community.
Although small in number, the Friends are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Besides maintaining an association of people with a common interest in the library, the Friends group fosters awareness and appreciation of the Henry County Public Library. Friends of HCPL cooperates with the library to develop library services and programs for the community. Fundraising and providing volunteer services are other roles of the Friends group . We look forward to serving the Henry County community and contributing to the success of our library.
We invite everyone 16 and older to join and participate in our Friends group. Individuals younger than 16 can join the Friends group through a Family Membership.
Contact: libraryfrnds@gmail.com Membership Prize Drawings
2025 OHIO VALLEY UNITED CHARITIES
GOLF SCRAMBLE
RAISES FUNDS
On September 18 at the Fairway Golf Course in Wheatly (Owen County), Ohio Valley United Charities held its annual and largest fundraising event to continue its mission to support charitable organizations in Henry, Trimble, Carroll, Gallatin and Owen counties.
Posted for all to see were the OVUC’s approved grant awards for 2026. Three charitable organizations in Henry County will be receiving grant funds for next year’s use: Henry County 4-H, Friends of the Henry County Public Library and Second Wind Dreams. The Friends’ grant award will be used to help cover costs of the library’s 2026 Summer Learning Program that serves children and adults throughout Henry County.
Fairway provided a beautiful day with scenic golf course views, enthusiastic golfers and cheerful volunteers from the five counties. This year, 34 teams participated, 27 hole sponsors took part and businesses donated raffle items. Two members of the Friends of the Henry County Public Library, Marcia Rieder, President, and Terri Cummings, Director, served as volunteers, handing out lunches and placing towels, golf balls and tumblers in carts.
IT WAS A GREAT DAY! A big THANKS to Jeff Chowning, Chair of the Scramble, and our appreciation to all involved for providing a fun day “To Make A Difference” for so many charitable organizations.
Terri Cummings (L) & Marcia Rieder (R) of the Friends looking at approved listing of OVUC grant awards for 2026
Story Walk Event – October 10th, 2023
StoryWalk Adventure Starts Here at New Castle Park with Krista Perry (Ext. Agent, Family & Consumer Science, Henry Co Ext Office) and Suzanne Banta (Young Adult and Children’s Services Librarian, Henry Co Public Library)
Thank You–Recognition Panel with acknowledgment for the Friends and others who helped make the StoryWalk a reality
StoryWalk Inaugural Celebration with Lola Hudson (Friends Member), Denise Lyons (Commissioner, KY Dept for Libraries and Archives) and Jeannie Morgan (Friends Member)
The Bookmobile with its updated look was on hand at the StoryWalk celebration along with Cara Woods (Adults Services Librarian) and Tess Valentine (Youth Services Bookmobile Librarian)
Here are some great ways to support the library and get involved:
- Volunteer your time for fundraisers or to help with library events
- Donate gently used books or videos to the library for book sales
- Use library services and recommend the library to friends
- Attend library events
- Make donations
- Call or write State Representatives and let them know how HCPL is doing
Board of Directors 2023/2024
Marcia Rieder- President
Ruthie Smith- Vice-President
Carol Bryner- Secretary
Darlene Bates- Treasurer
Kathy Gephart- Board of Directors
Cynthia Dare- Board of Directors
Lola Hudson- Board of Directors
Terri Cummings- Board of Directors
Mitch Ashby- Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
By-Laws
Conflict of Interest Policy
501(c)3 Verification Letter
Form 1023
Form 1023 – Supplemental Documents
Form 990 Submission