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We love our library
As FRIENDS OF THE FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY, we are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the resources, services and facilities that the library gives freely to our community. The library brings enjoyment to our lives and helps us endow our children with an understanding of our heritage and culture. In gratitude and with dedication to sharing these same gifts and new ones with our community, we have become friends who support the work of the Freedom Public Library.
As FRIENDS OF THE FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY, we are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the resources, services and facilities that the library gives freely to our community. The library brings enjoyment to our lives and helps us endow our children with an understanding of our heritage and culture. In gratitude and with dedication to sharing these same gifts and new ones with our community, we have become friends who support the work of the Freedom Public Library.
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New Happenings!
Our Mission
The mission of the Friends of Freedom Public Library is to raise supplemental funds that are used to develop and promote library resources, services and facilities for the community.
The mission of the Friends of Freedom Public Library is to raise supplemental funds that are used to develop and promote library resources, services and facilities for the community.
We are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the resources, services and facilities that the library gives freely to our community. The library brings enjoyment to our lives and helps us endow our children with an understanding of our heritage and culture.
Become a FriendWe are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the resources, services and facilities that the library gives freely to our community. The library brings enjoyment to our lives and helps us endow our children with an understanding of our heritage and culture.
Our Vision
We envision the Freedom Public Library as a mainstay in the life of our community. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the Freedom Public Library and to highlight the crucial role the Friends play in supporting its mission by actively engaging with residents, homeowner associations (HOAs), businesses, and other community organizations within the southwest corridor of Marion County.
Support the Friends
Member Spotlight:
Peggy Adams
Since joining the Friends in 2017, Peggy Adams has become a cherished part of our volunteer team. Friendly, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand, she brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.
Peggy plays a key role behind the scenes, often jumping in with a smile wherever help is needed. She especially enjoys working at our Book Sales—not just because she loves books, but because she enjoys meeting new people and seeing which titles spark their interest.
On donation days, you’ll often find Peggy carefully sorting through donated books. When she’s not helping with that, she’s likely volunteering with the Summer Meal Program. One of her favorite parts? “Seeing the kids,” she says, and watching parents and children connect over the games and activities offered by the library staff.
We’re delighted to feature Peggy in this quarter’s Member Spotlight!
Support the FriendsPeggy plays a key role behind the scenes, often jumping in with a smile wherever help is needed. She especially enjoys working at our Book Sales—not just because she loves books, but because she enjoys meeting new people and seeing which titles spark their interest.
On donation days, you’ll often find Peggy carefully sorting through donated books. When she’s not helping with that, she’s likely volunteering with the Summer Meal Program. One of her favorite parts? “Seeing the kids,” she says, and watching parents and children connect over the games and activities offered by the library staff.
We’re delighted to feature Peggy in this quarter’s Member Spotlight!
Member Spotlight:
Suzie Lehman
We are delighted to spotlight our second featured member, Suzie Lehman. Suzie joined the Friends in September 2023 and immediately began making a difference. She started by helping process donated books, then brightened our space by redecorating the Friends library lobby area and creating the new Friends sign that defines our book sales space.
When invited to serve as Hospitality Chair, Suzie embraced the role with enthusiasm.
She now helps plan events—shaping menus, arranging refreshments, and designing decorations that add a special touch to every gathering.
Suzie also supports the Friends fundraising efforts by volunteering for Belk Charity Days and showed her creativity and leadership by organizing and hosting our successful Chocolate Tasting fundraising event.
Highly organized, dedicated, and full of energy, Suzie brings warmth and creativity to everything she does. When asked what she enjoys most about the Friends, she shared: “It’s meeting new Friends and volunteering with old Friends.”
Support the FriendsWhen invited to serve as Hospitality Chair, Suzie embraced the role with enthusiasm.
She now helps plan events—shaping menus, arranging refreshments, and designing decorations that add a special touch to every gathering.
Suzie also supports the Friends fundraising efforts by volunteering for Belk Charity Days and showed her creativity and leadership by organizing and hosting our successful Chocolate Tasting fundraising event.
Highly organized, dedicated, and full of energy, Suzie brings warmth and creativity to everything she does. When asked what she enjoys most about the Friends, she shared: “It’s meeting new Friends and volunteering with old Friends.”
Member Spotlight:
Pete & Jan Quigley — Giving Back Together
We are delighted to spotlight Pete and Jan as our 2025 November/December Spotlight Members.
Pete and Jan joined the Friends in 2022 and have shared their talents in many meaningful ways. Jan assists with book donations and sales, bakes cookies for events, and helps sell tickets for Belk’s Sales Days, Love Your Library, and other campaigns. Pete uses his career experiences in sales and marketing to help with our fundraising efforts, and is a tireless advocate for both the Library and the Friends, enthusiastically declaring their importance with everyone he meets.
In their spare time, Jan cultivates orchids and sews clothing and quilts, while Pete pursues his interest in pre-1900 single-action firearms as a member of the Single Action Shooting Society.
Pete and Jan’s deep commitment to community service and their spirit of friendship shine through in all they do for the Friends. When asked what they enjoy most, they said, attending Friends meetings and taking walks together.
Support the FriendsPete and Jan joined the Friends in 2022 and have shared their talents in many meaningful ways. Jan assists with book donations and sales, bakes cookies for events, and helps sell tickets for Belk’s Sales Days, Love Your Library, and other campaigns. Pete uses his career experiences in sales and marketing to help with our fundraising efforts, and is a tireless advocate for both the Library and the Friends, enthusiastically declaring their importance with everyone he meets.
In their spare time, Jan cultivates orchids and sews clothing and quilts, while Pete pursues his interest in pre-1900 single-action firearms as a member of the Single Action Shooting Society.
Pete and Jan’s deep commitment to community service and their spirit of friendship shine through in all they do for the Friends. When asked what they enjoy most, they said, attending Friends meetings and taking walks together.
Member Spotlight:
Chris Riopel
Chris joined the Friends in 2014 after moving to On Top of the World (OTOW) from North Carolina. She began volunteering by sorting donations and helping with book sales. In 2019, Chris took over managing the bundle table. During COVID, she noticed an increase in puzzle donations and began offering them for sale—a big success. She soon became the manager of the puzzle area as well.
Chris also serves as an important link between the OTOW library and the Friends. Each week, she collects books and puzzles from the OTOW library, sorts them, and brings them to the Friends for resale.
In addition, Chris volunteers with Reading Pals twice a week and helps with special events at the Riley Center and the World Equestrian Center.
Chris is married and has sons and grandchildren in several states. Thank you, Chris, for all you do to support the Friends, the Library, and our community!
Support the FriendsChris also serves as an important link between the OTOW library and the Friends. Each week, she collects books and puzzles from the OTOW library, sorts them, and brings them to the Friends for resale.
In addition, Chris volunteers with Reading Pals twice a week and helps with special events at the Riley Center and the World Equestrian Center.
Chris is married and has sons and grandchildren in several states. Thank you, Chris, for all you do to support the Friends, the Library, and our community!
Member Spotlight:
Donna Schmidt and Shirley Herrick
Donna and Shirley have been part of the Friends family since 2017 and 2022, respectively. Both live in Marion Landing, and it didn’t take long after Shirley moved in for these two to become the best of friends. If you’ve attended a Friends meeting, you probably recognize them, they’re often the first to enthusiastically move to adjourn!
Their involvement with the Friends grew from a shared love of reading and a deep appreciation for our Library. Over the years, they have generously given their time helping with book sales, sorting donations, and supporting countless Friends activities. Donna even met with County officials to advocate for the Freedom Library and help secure important funding; a true example of her dedication.
We were especially grateful to Donna and Shirley for hosting the Friends’ Annual Meeting at Marion Landing in January while the Freedom Library is under construction. Their hospitality made that gathering both possible and memorable.
Donna manages the Marion Landing Library and thoughtfully donates their excess books to the Freedom Library for the Friends to sell. Shirley lends her time there as well, and also leads their travel group. Beyond their library work, they stay active in the community through bowling, the craft fair, organizing day trips, and much more.
Donna and Shirley, thank you for your friendship, your energy, and the many ways you support the Friends and the Freedom Library. We are so fortunate to have you both!!
Support the FriendsTheir involvement with the Friends grew from a shared love of reading and a deep appreciation for our Library. Over the years, they have generously given their time helping with book sales, sorting donations, and supporting countless Friends activities. Donna even met with County officials to advocate for the Freedom Library and help secure important funding; a true example of her dedication.
We were especially grateful to Donna and Shirley for hosting the Friends’ Annual Meeting at Marion Landing in January while the Freedom Library is under construction. Their hospitality made that gathering both possible and memorable.
Donna manages the Marion Landing Library and thoughtfully donates their excess books to the Freedom Library for the Friends to sell. Shirley lends her time there as well, and also leads their travel group. Beyond their library work, they stay active in the community through bowling, the craft fair, organizing day trips, and much more.
Donna and Shirley, thank you for your friendship, your energy, and the many ways you support the Friends and the Freedom Library. We are so fortunate to have you both!!
Our Approach
The Friends of the Freedom Public Library are committed to preserving and enhancing the resources and services that the library freely offers to our community. We believe that with the support of the community, we can successfully address the challenges brought by the area’s rapid population growth and the ongoing expansion of the Freedom Library.
The southwest corridor of Marion County has experienced remarkable growth in homes and residents over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, there will be a growing demand for expanded children’s and adult programming, additional library services, and the purchase of needed materials.
In response to this growth and the current ongoing expansion of the Freedom Library to approximately four times its current size, we are seeking fundraising support from residents, businesses, and community groups in southwest Marion County. Together, we can provide the critical financial resources needed to support this vital expansion.
The southwest corridor of Marion County has experienced remarkable growth in homes and residents over the past few years, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, there will be a growing demand for expanded children’s and adult programming, additional library services, and the purchase of needed materials.
In response to this growth and the current ongoing expansion of the Freedom Library to approximately four times its current size, we are seeking fundraising support from residents, businesses, and community groups in southwest Marion County. Together, we can provide the critical financial resources needed to support this vital expansion.
Our Core Values
These four core values serve as the guiding principles in our mission and in our partnership with the Freedom Public Library and the community it serves.
Friendship
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Friendship is the foundation of our work. It fosters a culture of collaboration, engagement, and connectivity, ensuring that all our efforts move forward in an atmosphere of care and encouragement.
Literacy
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As Friends of the Library and members of a broader educational community, we champion literacy as the foundation of lifelong learning. We support our public library as a welcoming space where people of all ages can explore, understand, create, and communicate in a world rich with diverse information and evolving technologies. From books and periodicals to e-resources, from cozy reading nooks to audio stations, tablets, and computers—we value every means of access to knowledge, today and in the future.
Community
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As Friends, we support the Freedom Public Library’s commitment to making the library a safe, nurturing and educational environment for children and adults, a place that is open and inclusive and in a very real sense, the heart of the Community.
Continuous Improvement
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As a nonprofit charity, we’re guided by a spirit of continuous improvement. By regularly looking at how we work and finding better ways to serve, we uncover opportunities to grow, simplify our processes, and build on our shared skills and knowledge. This ongoing effort nurtures teamwork, accountability, and creativity—leading to greater efficiency, better results, and a stronger sense of satisfaction for everyone involved.
History
The Freedom Public Library exists today because residents of the State Road 200 corridor and surrounding communities desired a local, full-service library. When local businessman and real estate developer John Rudnianyn became aware of this, he generously donated a three-acre parcel of land, which is now the site of the library.
The Friends of Freedom Public Library were formed in May 2000. According to William R. Haussmann, the group’s founder and first president, the original group of eight began meeting in a garage to plan for the library’s opening.
By the time the library opened its doors in the fall of 2000, the Friends’ membership had grown to 23. The first Friends book sale took place at the library lobby in December 2000. Just days later, the Friends were officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
The Friends held their first annual meeting in January 2001. Since then, all annual meetings have been held on a Saturday in January and have taken place in the Freedom Public Library’s meeting room.
The Friends have a long history of providing supplemental financial support to the Freedom Public Library, with the majority of funding coming from the sale of donated used books from the community.
The Friends of Freedom Public Library were formed in May 2000. According to William R. Haussmann, the group’s founder and first president, the original group of eight began meeting in a garage to plan for the library’s opening.
By the time the library opened its doors in the fall of 2000, the Friends’ membership had grown to 23. The first Friends book sale took place at the library lobby in December 2000. Just days later, the Friends were officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.
The Friends held their first annual meeting in January 2001. Since then, all annual meetings have been held on a Saturday in January and have taken place in the Freedom Public Library’s meeting room.
The Friends have a long history of providing supplemental financial support to the Freedom Public Library, with the majority of funding coming from the sale of donated used books from the community.
Our Board of Directors
FRIENDS OF FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFICERS (l-r): Pat Hojenski, Treasurer; Mary Ellen Poe, Vice President; Judy Leacock, President; Virginia Olesak, Secretary;
FRIENDS OF FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTORS: Pat MacMurray, Book Sales Director; Lou Doak, Membership Director; Loretta Campagna, Communications Director
The 2026 Friends of Freedom Public Library Board
Board Chair & President
Judy Leacock
Vice President
Mary Ellen Poe
Treasurer
Pat Hojenski
Secretary
Virginia Olesak
Membership Director
Lou Doak
Book Sales Director
Pat MacMurray
Communications Director
Loretta Campagna
Officers and directors are elected annually at the Friends’ meeting each January.
Funding
As the primary fundraising organization for the Freedom Public Library, the Friends have been providing vital supplemental financial assistance since our incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in 2000. Our funding comes from five key sources, with the main one being the sale of donated used books from our community. These funding sources include:
Sale of Donated Used Books
Financial Contributions
Membership Dues
Fundraising Events
Matching Grants
In the past eight years alone, the Friends have supported the Freedom Public Library with over
$100,000
in supplemental financial assistance, which have been used to finance the following initiatives:
Library Programs for Children, Teens, and Adults
A Portable Computer Classroom
An Outdoor Digital Sign
Renovation of the library‘s staff facility workroom
An Outdoor Drive-Up Book Drop
College Tuition Assistance for Library Staff
Last year, our volunteers gave 7, 355 hours of their time. With the current national value per volunteer hour of $33.00*, their time was worth over
$242,715
*Based on a report by IndependentSector.org and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland.
Ways to Help
Together, we can ensure the Freedom Public Library continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and community for all who enter its doors. Here are several ways you can support this vital institution:
Make A Donation
Join the Friends of the Freedom Public Library and volunteer your time at our book sales or fundraising events.
Support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with your generous donations.
Why The Friends Need Your Support
As a cornerstone of the community, the Freedom Public Library offers a safe space where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to explore, learn, and create.
The Friends play a vital role as a dedicated partner, raising essential supplemental funds to meet the evolving needs of the library. With the ongoing expansion set to increase the library’s size to an impressive 32,000 square feet, there is an urgent need for expanded programs, services, and resources.
Additionally, the growing population in southwest Marion County will place further demand on existing services, highlighting the need for increased financial support.
As we embark on this exciting expansion, we have identified four key areas (shown below) where additional funding will greatly enhance our offerings beyond the costs of expansion.
The Friends play a vital role as a dedicated partner, raising essential supplemental funds to meet the evolving needs of the library. With the ongoing expansion set to increase the library’s size to an impressive 32,000 square feet, there is an urgent need for expanded programs, services, and resources.
Additionally, the growing population in southwest Marion County will place further demand on existing services, highlighting the need for increased financial support.
As we embark on this exciting expansion, we have identified four key areas (shown below) where additional funding will greatly enhance our offerings beyond the costs of expansion.
Early Learning Center
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Promoting social and emotional growth in preschool children and preparing them for academic success through enriching, family-shared experiences.
Programming
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Offering diverse programs for children, teens, and adults that leverage the rich resources of Marion County to meet the needs and interests of our community.
Professional Staff Development
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Empowering library staff with continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring they can offer cutting-edge services to our patrons.
Friends Bookstore
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Expanding the sale of affordable, donated used books through the Friends’ bookstore, with all proceeds directly supporting the mission of providing supplemental financial assistance to the library.
Early Learning Center
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Promoting social and emotional growth in preschool children and preparing them for academic success through enriching, family-shared experiences.
Programming
Hover to learn more
Offering diverse programs for children, teens, and adults that leverage the rich resources of Marion County to meet the needs and interests of our community.
Professional Staff Development
Hover to learn more
Empowering library staff with continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring they can offer cutting-edge services to our patrons.
Friends’ Bookstore
Hover to learn more
Expanding the sale of affordable, donated used books through the Friends’ bookstore, with all proceeds directly supporting the mission of providing supplemental financial assistance to the library.
Our Members
The Friends organization is 100% volunteer-based, there are no employees. Consequently, our members are vital to our success. They contribute their time, skills, and passion to support our mission and enhance the services the library provides to its patrons. The Freedom Public Library not only serves as a repository of knowledge but also as a safe space where people can come together. By becoming a Friend of the Freedom Public Library, we acknowledge the library’s essential role as a cornerstone in our community.
Consider becoming a member of the Friends of the Freedom Public Library.
As a member, you will not only experience the satisfaction of meaningful involvement, but you will also help enrich the well-being of our library community.
As an active member, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer activities, including:
• Assisting with book sales
• Engaging in membership drives
• Supporting hospitality efforts
• Participating in fundraising initiatives and events
Joining the Friends is a chance to make new friends, work as part of a team, experience personal growth, and, most importantly, support your library and community.
Become a Friend
Membership Meetings
Every member has the opportunity to actively participate in our general monthly meetings by providing a platform for important discussions, developing fundraising strategies, suggesting new ideas, and implementing approved projects.
Members are also entitled to vote at both the general monthly meetings and the annual meeting in January.
Members are also entitled to vote at both the general monthly meetings and the annual meeting in January.
OUR ANNUAL MEETING is held in January in the library meeting room at a day and time determined by the board.
GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Monday of each month at 10:15 a.m. in the library meeting room. If a holiday falls on that day, the meeting will be held the following Tuesday.
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are typically held on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room.
ALL OTHER STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are scheduled at the discretion of the committee chairs, on a day and time of their choosing.
GENERAL MEETINGS are held on the first Monday of each month at 10:15 a.m. in the library meeting room. If a holiday falls on that day, the meeting will be held the following Tuesday.
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are typically held on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. in the library meeting room.
ALL OTHER STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are scheduled at the discretion of the committee chairs, on a day and time of their choosing.
Thank you for your Support
Your contributions to the Friends of the Freedom Public Library are more than just financial support—they are the lifeblood of our ability to serve and inspire our community. Every donation plays a crucial role in expanding library services, creating enriching educational programs, and preserving valuable resources for future generations. Because of your generosity, we can continue to provide a place where knowledge thrives, creativity flourishes, and lifelong learning remains accessible to all.
Your support is a testament to the shared values of literacy, learning, and cultural engagement that unite our community. It ensures that the Freedom Public Library remains a vital resource and gathering place for generations to come. With your help, we can do more than just maintain the status quo—we can innovate, grow, and reach new heights in fulfilling our mission. As we look to the future and work toward expanding our library’s impact, your contributions are making a real and lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and for being an essential part of our journey.
Your support is a testament to the shared values of literacy, learning, and cultural engagement that unite our community. It ensures that the Freedom Public Library remains a vital resource and gathering place for generations to come. With your help, we can do more than just maintain the status quo—we can innovate, grow, and reach new heights in fulfilling our mission. As we look to the future and work toward expanding our library’s impact, your contributions are making a real and lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and for being an essential part of our journey.
General Fund
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Expansion Fund
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Donations made in Memorium
In Memory of Hal Levine by: Judy Leacock, Thomas and Jean Keegan, Patricia MacMurray
In Memory of Lyn Silberman’s Birthday by: John and Barbara Paglione and Robert and Sandra Woycke
In Memory of Jennifer Smith (JR) by: Prince of Peace Church, Martin Bailey, Carol Jones, Margaret Keith, Jeff and Shelley Smith, Barbara Adler, Tracy Cribbs, Pat Hojenski
In Memory of Stephen Bongiovanni by: Sharon Weyrauch, Robert and Maureen Bauman, Daniel and Charlotte Thomas, Mary Jo Eggers, Ocala Macintosh User Group, John and Marilyn Kennedy, Elaine Smith
In Memory of Arnold Hansen by: Phillip Davis
In Memory of Lyn Silberman’s Birthday by: John and Barbara Paglione and Robert and Sandra Woycke
In Memory of Jennifer Smith (JR) by: Prince of Peace Church, Martin Bailey, Carol Jones, Margaret Keith, Jeff and Shelley Smith, Barbara Adler, Tracy Cribbs, Pat Hojenski
In Memory of Stephen Bongiovanni by: Sharon Weyrauch, Robert and Maureen Bauman, Daniel and Charlotte Thomas, Mary Jo Eggers, Ocala Macintosh User Group, John and Marilyn Kennedy, Elaine Smith
In Memory of Arnold Hansen by: Phillip Davis
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Donor Designated
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Donor Spotlight
Surrounded by stacks of audiobooks, Norman and Susan Reid stand proudly alongside the Freedom Public Library’s beloved big bear mascot, William Shakesbear.
Back in 2017, the Reids made a heartfelt promise—to support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with generous annual donations, dedicated to the purchase of audiobooks. Their commitment has not only enriched the library’s collection but has also brought the joy of storytelling to countless listeners. Today, their tradition of giving continues, with plans to do so for years to come.
From all of us at the Friends of the Freedom Public Library, thank you, Norman and Susan, for your unwavering generosity and love of literature!
Back in 2017, the Reids made a heartfelt promise—to support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with generous annual donations, dedicated to the purchase of audiobooks. Their commitment has not only enriched the library’s collection but has also brought the joy of storytelling to countless listeners. Today, their tradition of giving continues, with plans to do so for years to come.
From all of us at the Friends of the Freedom Public Library, thank you, Norman and Susan, for your unwavering generosity and love of literature!
Events
BOOK DONATION DAYS
Wednesdays: 3 – 5 P.M. • Saturdays: 10 A.M. – noon
We gratefully accept donations of gently used books to support our mission.
Please note that we are unable to accept textbooks, encyclopedias, or books in poor condition, including those that are damaged or torn.
Please note that we are unable to accept textbooks, encyclopedias, or books in poor condition, including those that are damaged or torn.
Attendees at our Annual Meeting, Jan. 2024
Our Book Sale
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the FPL expansion.
Photo by Mark Anderson/Marion County Public Relations
Photo by Mark Anderson/Marion County Public Relations
New Friends Orientation
Membership Director Lou Doak
Attendees at our Annual Meeting, Jan. 2024
Friends History Scrapbooks designed and assembled by Carol Jones, Rosie Lynam, and Karen David
Goodies for the Gathering
Goodies for the Gathering
