Friends of the Van Pelt Library   
J. R. Van Pelt and Opie Library, Michigan Technological University



About the Friends of the Library

Who are the Friends of the Van Pelt Library?

Why does MTU's Van Pelt Library need Friends?

What do the Friends do?

What can I do?

What if I do not have time to be a Friend volunteer?

How do I join?

  Who are the Friends of the Van Pelt Library?

The FVPL is a group of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who understand that the J. Robert Van Pelt and Opie Library is Michigan Technological University's most important resource. We are united in our determination to enrich the Library and to help it to serve the University and the community.

  Why does MTU's Van Pelt Library need Friends?

The intellectual life of a university revolves around its library. The Van Pelt and Opie Library of Michigan Technological University serves a dynamic student body, and active research and teaching faculty, and a vibrant local community. The Library is charged with providing access to information in whatever forms required to whoever needs it. Fulfilling these goals in these rapidly changing times is a great challenge which can only be met by the dedicated service of the Library's staff and friends. The goal of the Friends of the Van Pelt Library is to bring about the continuous improvement of the Van Pelt and Opie Library to the benefit of all of the Library's clients.

  What do the Friends do?

There are many ways in which Library Friends can contribute to the growth and development of the Library. In addition to fundraising projects, the Friends sponsor cultural activities and the mounting of informational displays. Friends will work on public outreach projects to strengthen Library-community ties. Some of the specific projects carried out by the FVPL include:

• Organize talks and other events to promote a sense of Library community
• Organize the Annual Book Sale; all revenues benefit the Van Pelt and Opie Library
• Promote use of the Library's unique resources such as the government documents collection and the Copper Country Historical Collection.  One program we sponsor in this regard is the Archives Travel Grant Program.
  
• Conduct fund raising programs which help to generate resources for the Library; these include the large March book sale and the Winter Carnival Hot Chocolate Warm-up and Book Sale.
  

  What can I do?

Join the Friends! Join online  We have room for you in many capacities. Membership in the Friends is bestowed annually on those who support the Van Pelt Library through financial gifts to the Friends organization.

  What if I do not have time to be a Friend volunteer?

You are still welcome in the Friends of the Van Pelt Library. We recognize that some Friends may not be able to dedicate time to our activities due to geographical separation or ther commitments, but the support both symbolic and financial of all our Friends contributes to the health of our organization.  As you can see, we need help with our web page!

  How do I join?

To join the Friends of the Van Pelt Library, please click here:  Join online

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