Recent arrivals to the city may not realize the history of the Jacksonville Public Library (the "Library") and the determi- nation of citizens to have a first-class library.

In 1913, the first Library site was upstairs over a furniture store on Commerce Street. In December 1941 it opened its first permanent facility, a WPA building in the city park, a structure now used as a senior citizens center.

The Vanishing Texana Museum was added in 1965. This collection attracts many visitors, most not from Jacksonville.

By 1980 it was obvious that the Library had outgrown its physical facility. A major campaign, Library Now! was launched.

This successful campaign culminated in 1983 with the dedication of a new building at the intersection of South Jackson, Neches, and Nacogdoches Streets.

By this time the Library offered not only written material but media such as film and videotape. It also boasted an extensive genealogical section.

Computers were added in the 1990s, and a web page was put up on the Internet.

Want to be in a book discussion group?

Want to support the children's program and literacy activities?

Want to volunteer some time at the Library but can give only one day every two or three months?

In short, are you ready to do something beside check out a book and take it home?

During the month of December, survey sheets will be placed in public areas of town to ask the citizens of Jacksonville what other activities could be centered at their Library.

The survey is also available on the Library's web page at http://www.jacksonvillelibrary.com. It can be completed online and e-mailed to a member of the Friends' board of directors.

If three or more persons express a mutual interest in some activity, the Friends, acting as facilitiators, will put them in touch with one another.

The survey sheet also allows persons to suggest activities not listed by the brainstorming Friends.

A great potential in this project is to cross age, race, culture and gender lines. For example: a devotee of mystery books is a dedicated mystery reader, be he or she 15 or 55, from any diverse background.

Future issues will feature resources of the Library; profiles of cardholders, staff and the board of directors; reports on activities and announcements of future plans; and tips on using the Library to its fullest.

Friends of the Library was incorporated on September 22, 1999, as a Texas non-profit corporation. It is in the process of applying to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition as a support group under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

"So?" you ask. "What does that mean to me?" It means that contributions to the corporation may be tax-deductible to the donor. Each Friend should consult his or her own tax advisor on this issue.

Memberships for the year 2000 are now being offered in the following categories:

• Individual -- designed for the student or single person: $5.

• Family -- what a deal!-- your entire family can be Friends: $10.

• Patron -- for folks who want to take their support to a higher level: $25.

• Lifetime -- a category chosen by many members of our community when the new building was erected - still only $100.