ANDOVER — The “Soup’s On” Competition for the community was a simmering success for the Friends of the Libraries’ first annual event and fundraiser. A big thank you to all who entered their delicious soups and the community tasters/judges who provided donations to support our Andover Libraries. The event would not have been possible without The Andover Community Hub and Miranda Dawalga, who collaborated with our Friends event planners, Justine Puliafico and Jen Turner. 

The first-place “Soup’s On” winner of the Golden Ladle trophy was Stephen Chella, who served up his grandmother’s split pea/ham soup recipe. The second-place silver spoon winner was Coco Siegel, and taking the third-place bronze spoon was Kent Hackmann.  Congratulations to all three award winners of the Friends’ first “Soup’s On” Competition!

Friends of the Library and additional volunteers have been sorting and boxing numerous donated books in preparation for the upcoming March Book Sale. Come by the W. A. Bachelder Library on Friday, March 7, from 3 to 6 PM, and Saturday, March 8, from 9 AM to 1PM. We are sure you will find books to your liking and interests, with our large assortment of hardback and paperback fiction, nonfiction, and books for children/youth of all age groups. 

All book sales are by donation and proceeds will help support both Libraries and their programs. Your generosity is appreciated!

The Friends of the Andover Libraries are inviting others to join our nonprofit 501(c)(3) association who share our mission to strengthen, promote, and support the Andover Libraries, to help the Library meet the needs of the community, and to open doors to lifelong learning and discovery for everyone.          

Our Purpose:                                                                                                                                                                      To work in cooperation with both the Library Director and Library Trustees.                                                  To focus public attention on the Libraries as a vital community asset.                                                              To encourage a love of books for all ages.                                                                                                                To raise awareness and funding for library resources, services, initiatives, programs, and events.               

To promote and strengthen community support and volunteerism for our libraries.   

On Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 PM, we will hold our first annual Friends general membership meeting, in the Town Office meeting room on ground level, adjacent to the Andover Public Library. Members of the Friends Association will vote on its officers and receive reports from the Library Director and on the Friends’ activities this past year, as well as a presentation of our plans and goals for the coming year. 

If you would like to know more about The Friends Association, are considering joining our team of volunteers, or perhaps are a student looking for community service hours, you are most welcome to attend our annual meeting. We would be more than happy to talk with you after the business meeting. Should you decide to join, we will have membership forms (which include a way to express your particular interests) available.

The Friends Executive Committee will meet quarterly and as needed. We will hold a general meeting for members twice a year, in the spring and fall, and will provide monthly/seasonal updates on upcoming programs/events and announcements of library needs and volunteer opportunities for short-term tasks and projects. For additional information, please contact Sheila Swenson at libraryfriendsgroupandover@nullgmail.com.