Volunteers reviving Friends of the Belle Vernon Public Library

After more than 25 years of inactivity, the Friends group is being revived by a growing circle of volunteers.

From a high school senior to longtime residents, a small but determined group is rebuilding the Friends of the Belle Vernon Public Library one idea at a time.

Nearly 90 years after the Belle Vernon Public Library was founded by residents who wanted a place to read and gather, a new generation is stepping up to carry that mission forward.

After more than 25 years of inactivity, the Friends group is being revived by a growing circle of volunteers who are bringing fresh energy and a steady stream of ideas to support the library.

Library Director Elina Filander said the turning point came earlier this year.

Filander said a January meeting was canceled due to severe winter weather, but when members gathered in February, their enthusiasm was clear and they showed up in droves.

“It is the middle of the winter, and everyone showed up, came in with dine and donate here and here and let’s do this and that. All of these great ideas,” she said.

The group, which currently includes about 10 members, began rebuilding last year with a manageable goal — creating a graphic novel collection for the library.

“It might not have been the most inspirational project at the time, but it was feasible,” she said.

With that project completed, members are now considering larger, longer-term efforts while continuing to organize smaller fundraisers.

The renewed interest reflects something deeper than fundraising.

“I started here seven years ago, we need to start a friends,” she said. “At that point, I was told the library did have a Friends at one time, and I realized there are still people to keep a library going.”

The Friends group is still in the early stages of rebuilding and has not yet been formally incorporated as its own nonprofit.

They are currently operating as a volunteer arm of the library.

Meetings are held every other month at 6:30 p.m. the last Monday at the library, and organizers are actively looking for new members.

That includes younger volunteers, such as a 17-yearold high school senior who joined out of concern over reduced library services in schools and others who see the important role a library plays in a community.

Beyond fundraising, the Friends are already playing a visible role in library operations and outreach. Members have assisted with events like the annual Goodwill Donation Day, helping organize and track donations, and have promoted library programs at local businesses and community events.

This year’s Goodwill Donation Day is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. April 28 with items also being accepted at the library beginning April 17.

Donations such as clothing, books, tools and household goods will benefit the library through Goodwill’s partnership program.

The group is also organizing “Dine and Donate” fundraisers, with events planned for June and September.

Filander said those efforts are being driven directly by volunteers.

“Our members approached local restaurants themselves, securing participation and helped get everything going,” she said. “They have really taken the lead.”

One of the Friends’ first visible initiatives will roll out during National Library Week, April 19–25, when updated versions of vintage donation coin banks will appear in select local businesses.

Filander said the idea blends a sense of history with a reminder of how libraries are sustained.

“We have a couple of these old donation coin banks from back in the mid-20th century,” she said. “Our Friends of the Library thought it would be a good way to raise community awareness that local support is what keeps a library going, but we did update the containers.”

The collection jugs are intended for spare change and small, impulse donations, and are not meant to replace the library’s annual fund drive.

The effort comes as part of National Library Week, a nationwide celebration of libraries and their role in communities. The 2026 theme, “Find Your Joy,” highlights the many ways people connect with library services.

Filander said those services often extend beyond what people see.

Currently, more than 25% of the library’s circulation now comes from e-books and audiobooks, meaning many users never physically enter the building.

In addition, Westmoreland County’s library system has expanded offerings to include streaming video, music and educational programming.

The Belle Vernon library also benefits from being part of a network of more than 20 libraries, allowing patrons to access a wide range of materials while maintaining a strong local collection.

“There is so much more than just books,” she said.

For Filander, the return of the Friends group is a sign that the same community spirit that launched the library decades ago is still present today.

“There are still people who want a library and it is really important,” she said. “Having people who want to do something, even if it is small, is heartening.”

Residents interested in learning more about the donation campaign or the Friends of the Library can call 724-929-6642.

Information about participating businesses and services is also available on the library’s website at www.bellevernonlibrary. org.