In 1997, Debbie Vavra served as president of the Friends of the Allen Library when the library celebrated its 30th anniversary. Laura Bush, the First Lady of Texas, and a former librarian agreed to help the Allen Public Library celebrate this milestone. The Friends hosted a lovely reception and Debbie delivered the welcoming remarks prior to Mrs. Bush’s message.
Under Debbie’s guidance, Sunday Sounds became the library’s first instrumental concert series, a newsletter was initiated and the first logo was created.Her leadership provided the framework that ultimately inspired the creation of Bach to Books, ALLen Reads, staff development opportunities, and sophisticated audio-visual equipment for the auditorium.
Debbie continues to be an active participant in all aspects of Friends' activities.She coordinates and trains teens and new Friends' volunteers to manage the ongoing book sale.After an exhaustive day at the library, Debbie can be seen straightening the book sale shelves as she exits the door.
Debbie served on the inaugural committee for ALLen Reads and has maintained an active role in the program since its inception.She facilitated book discussion groups, designed school posters, the brochure, and special activities such as bringing her violin to assist with the Musical Zoo Day.
Above all, Debbie has the Friends' and Allen Public Library’s interests in her heart, and in tandem, these two organizations are building one of the great libraries of history.
Sandy Wittsche (author of this article), Jane Bennett, Regina Taylor and Friends Board President Ann Livingston
Jane Bennett, Lifetime Friend 2010
One of my first meetings with Jane Bennett occurred in the spring of 2000 at a local McDonalds restaurant. On her way in, Jane twisted her ankle. To some, that may have been a sign to turn around and go home, but Jane took it all in stride and iced it down as we discussed the Friends of the Allen Public Library. As we brainstormed a variety of ideas, our excitement for the Friends grew. By the end of the meeting, we were both committed to the challenge of implementing new programs and growing those already in place. Jane, an experienced leader, volunteered to take on the office of president. I agreed to serve as vice-president. During this time, Jane co-chaired a group that played a key role in the passage of the City of Allen bond that resulted in the library we enjoy today. To create a wider recognition and understanding of the Allen Public Library, Jane has done everything from marching in parades (sometimes in costume and even performing complex book cart drill team maneuvers!), to hosting authors, securing national exhibits, presenting to other Friends groups, attending city council meetings, partnering with local organizations and schools, and speaking to Allen civic groups. One of Jane’s true strengths is creating partnerships with other community groups that result in lasting programs. One example is Recycle-A-Book Day, a recycling and charitable initiative that partners with the PTAs and students in Allen schools. To date, over 50,000 books have been distributed to agencies in need. Having just completed its third successful year, ALLen Reads is the most recent program Jane has initiated. ALLen Reads is a "one book" project for the Allen community. It is unique in one-book programs in that related books are chosen as companions to the main book to communicate similar themes to younger readers. Many months of related activities are planned for readers to enjoy, including performances and speakers at the library, discussion groups, and author visits to Allen schools. Thousands of Allen residents have participated in the ALLen Reads program.(See ALLen Reads article.) You might think Jane spends all of her time at the Allen Public Library, but surprisingly she also has a paying job and serves as the Chair of the Public Art Committee for the City of Allen.She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Ross; traveling to Baltimore to visit her son, Zak; and planning a summer wedding for daughter, Allie. Jane’s role in the Friends has evolved throughout the last ten years, but her unwavering commitment and passion towards the Allen Public Library remains as strong as the day we met. She is not only this year’s Lifetime Friend, but a true Friend for life!
