Who We Are:

The Friends of the Elm Grove Library, Inc. was founded in 1984 by a small group of concerned members of the Elm Grove Junior Guild who wanted to help the Elm Grove Library become an important resource for the community it served. Over time, the organization has grown. Today, the Friends have over 200 members who live in Elm Grove and surrounding communities. It is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care about the library and volunteer to support it in a number of ways.

We are a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Our Mission Statement:

The mission of the Friends of the Elm Grove Library is to focus public attention on library services and to raise funds to support library collections and special projects.

Our members:

• Conduct fundraising events
• Plan programs and lectures throughout the year for both children and adults
• Participate in a variety of book discussion groups
• Exhibit  collections in the display case located at the Elm Grove Library
• Provide refreshments at FOEGL events.

All these activities and fundraising events enhance the Elm Grove Library, a valuable and important community resource!

Honoring the Burany Bequest

In 2017, the Friends of Elm Grove Library received a $50,000 bequest from the estate of Frank and Helen Burany. Long-time residents may remember the couple as former owners of the Sleepy Hollow Motel in Elm Grove as well as other properties in the area. From their humble early days this generous couple celebrated 75 years of marriage before Helen passed away in 2012 and Frank in 2016. Their planned estate gift to our library was an unexpected and wonderful surprise!

This year, Board members decided the gift would be best used by updating the Adult and Young Adult Reading Areas of the library to enhance our library experience for patrons and staff. Walls were painted, new furniture was selected, electrical outlets for charging devices were added, and directional signage was installed throughout the library.

The legacy of Frank and Helen Burany lives on through their incredible gift which enriches a strong and viable library for the Village of Elm Grove. The Burany’s son, Richard, his family and friends joined us for a commemorative event in October.

The Friends of Elm Grove Library help the library grow!

x