Advocate 2003

A monthly column in the Advocate tracking the progress on the New Library Building Project included this Donor Profile of the Annandale Improvement Club

On October 22, 1899 the charter members of the Annandale Improvement Club opened the doors of the Annandale Library with 317 books on the shelves. As the years marched by, the club continued to support the library as well as other community projects too numerous to mention here. The first paid librarian was hired for the summer months of 1918 for $1 per month. By 1965, the librarians wage had increased to $31 per month. The fascinating history of the Improvement Club can be accessed online at www.annandaleonline.com. These dedicated people obviously cared about Annandale and its library.

In December 2001. the Harper Foundation offered a $250,000 challenge to the city of Annandale. Within twelve months a matching $250,000 needed to be raised to build a new library. The Improvement Club stepped up and began to make plans to meet the challenge.

President Elizabeth Cabalka graciously agreed to chair the steering committee. With only one year to collect donations, the entire club pitched in . They successfully sponsored the Suburban raffle but took no credit for the $54,000 raised with that event. An ice cream social, book sale event, art tour, Krispy Kreme sales, and ribbon sales produced over $5000 to contribute to the library fund.

Many generous club members also made personal donations to the library that has meant so much to community for over 100 years. Thanks to the continued efforts of the approximately 70 club members, the Annandale Area Public Library will be opening its doors in just a few short months.

The present day Improvement Club meets the 3^rd Thursday of each month at Reichels Event Center at 11:00AM. Visitors are always welcome and this month Elizabeth Cabalka will be speaking about her new book. Consider joining these devoted people as thy work to improve our community.