Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, we feature the FRIENDS of the Harrison Township Public Library.
Formed in 2016, the FRIENDS of Harrison Township Public Library (FRIENDS) is a dedicated group of volunteers that works to support and enhance library services for the community. The group provides the volunteer base, fundraising efforts and enthusiasm that anchors the library to the community.
It wasn’t too long ago, however, that Harrison Township was the only township in Macomb County without a library.
“In 2009, a group of residents gathered books, built shelves and opened an all-volunteer library,” said Beverley Ortman, FRIENDS board member. “With persistence, and after three millage attempts, we finally secured funding in 2015 to hire staff and bring our vision to life. Soon after, the FRIENDS organization was born from those same volunteers.”
To support their work, the FRIENDS host a series of community-based fundraisers throughout the year, which include ongoing used book sales, dine to donate events and an annual ice cream fundraiser at Lori’s Lick-Em Up, with all donations matched 100% by the owner. The FRIENDS also host an annual cookie walk in December with rows of homemade cookies for sale, all baked by volunteers.
Funds raised by the FRIENDS directly support the library’s programs and services, often filling gaps that millage funding cannot cover. Previous initiatives have included teacher appreciation baskets filled with snacks and program information, as well as support for summer reading activities. At this year’s summer reading kickoff, the organization sponsored a foam machine that helped double attendance and created a festive community celebration.
One of Ortman’s proudest moments, however, was helping to present a $13,100 check on behalf of the FRIENDS organization to the library board to outfit two new study rooms during a library expansion.
“To think we’ve come this far in such a short time makes me so proud,” Ortman said.
The FRIENDS recently participated in Advancing Macomb’s Nonprofit Accelerator program, which helped them refine their mission, strengthen their organization and form new community partnerships. Through the program, they also connected with the Autism Society of Greater Detroit and are currently exploring ways to incorporate more inclusive spaces within the library.
The organization envisions even greater impact in the years ahead. Goals include expanding partnerships with local businesses, securing a generator to maintain operations during power outages and preparing for a major building expansion in 2026 that will connect the library to the Harrison Township offices and increase meeting and community space.
“We’re looking for more volunteers,” Ortman emphasized. “Whether it’s baking cookies, helping with events or bringing new ideas, every contribution makes a difference.”
Community members can learn more about the FRIENDS of Harrison Township Public Library by visiting the library’s website at www.htlibrary.org/get-involved/friends-of-the-library/ or stopping by in person at 38255 L’Anse Creuse St, Suite A in Harrison Township, Mich.
