Family Fun Audience Stuffs a Bus with Books for Schools, Nonprofits, Seniors

Families who enjoyed an entertaining night Aug. 8 in downtown Farmington also helped to "stuff a bus" with books that will promote the love of reading on many fronts. 

At the Family Fun in Riley Park show featuring Kevin Kammeraad, SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and the Farmington Community Library invited patrons to bring new or gently used books to help stuff a bus. The initiative was sponsored by SMART, and benefited the library.

The Farmington Friends of the Library collected over 1,700 books, nearly half of them were brought to the concert. The other books were delivered to the collection boxes at both branches.

“What a great evening and a wonderful setting for all of us to promote our services, and provide a lively, engaging concert event for so many appreciative families,” said Tina M. Theeke, director of the Farmington Community Library. “More good news - this book drive has called attention to the Friends on-going book sales at each library. Book donations can be delivered to either branch of the Library year round."

Theeke said many of the books will be given to schools and non-profit organizations that tutor and work with children, and senior centers. Some of the books collected will be inventory for the Friends of the Farmington Library’s on-going book sales at each library. Proceeds from the sale go for the purchase of new books and media for the library. 

SMART was the presenting sponsor for the 2012 Family Fun in Riley Park series.

“SMART is pleased to have sponsored the Family Fun series in Riley Park this summer,” said Beth Gibbons, SMART marketing and communications manager. “We believe encouraging family-friendly events improves our communities and it was a pleasure to see so many people, young and old, having a great time at Riley Park.”

Family Fun in Riley Park is a concert series specially geared towards children presented by the Farmington Community Library and the Farmington Downtown Development Authority.

Maria Showich-Gallup, Head of Children's Services, said “I think this was the best year for the Family Fun program. All the performers were great. It was so nice to see all the families bringing picnic dinners out to the park and enjoy the shows.” 

For more information on downtown Farmington events, visit www.DowntownFarmington.org, find us on Facebook, or call 248-473-7276.

Source: Farmington DDA press release