The 'Friends of the Library', under the guidance of its president Bill Cooney, hold a very successful 'Brisket Bash' in April of every year. Ten pound pre-cooked briskets are pre-sold for $30 each, and are picked up at this time. This year the local Lion's Club joined us with a 'Friendship Day'. Activities include children's events prepared by our children's program director Becky Kolb, a garage sale, country music, and hot dogs and hamburgers, all held under our new 50' X 80' 'Big Top' tent.

   The library holds an annual  building fundraising BBQ and Chili Cook-Off in September. Normally this is held on the weekend containing the last Friday of the month, however because of event conflicts, the 2005 event was scheduled for Sept. 23rd. Hurricane Rita rescheduled the event into October. We have been fortunate to have had eight successful consecutive cook-offs netting a total of more than $141,000.

  Plans are being formulated for a possible 'Flea Market' fund raiser where booths and spaces will be sold to merchants, crafters, and food vendors.

  All the events are held on several  acres adjacent to the new library building. This property is owned by the New Waverly ISD. The school system has always supported and encouraged us in our fund raising efforts. We enjoy a very harmonious working relationship with the school board members.

  The 'Friends of the Library' was organized several years after the NWPL was originated in 1987. The Friends and the Library Board work hand-in-hand with each other for the betterment of the library and its services to the community. The new 10,000 square foot building under construction would not have been possible without the dedicated help of this group. The president of the Friends of the Library is Bill Cooney.

 The New Waverly Public Library functions entirely with volunteer help. The new building is being erected primarily with volunteer labor. Because of this local support, the $1,640,000 project is more than 95% complete, and is being built with an expenditure of less than $497,000. Although the Community Room and Adjacent Cafe have been in use for some time, it is expected that the library portion of the building will be put into service in September 2007. Shelving is being assembled now, and volunteers for this are needed.

Contact with the Library Director, Betty Smith, can be made at 936-344-2198 or 344-2077. Building fund donations and offers of interior finishing can be made to Ron Kolb at 936-344-2084.