Library Staff Directory
Posted Nov 22, 2019
McKenzie Edmonds (pictured here, on right) and Jane Tomasi (on left) co-chair the Promotion and Fundraising Committee of the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library. They also serve on the board of directors. Jane has been involved with the Friends for three years and McKenzie for one. Both women are active Shorewood residents with young children. Read on for a brief Q and A with McKenzie and Jane about why they joined the Friends and why they encourage you to join, too!
Why are you involved with the Friends of the Shorewood Library?
McKenzie: I am passionate about supporting the library’s evolving needs. I am impressed by the connection between the library staff and patrons. As a Friends board member, I enjoy hearing from the staff about new initiatives and the successes of existing programs. I am confident that my contribution is serving the greatest needs.
What does it mean to join the Friends?
Jane: Friends of the Shorewood Public Library can participate in a variety of ways. You can join the Friends with a monetary donation, which is how many individuals and families choose to support the library. You can become involved by volunteering with other Friends at events like Summer Celebration or Halloween Happening. You can become an adopt-a-shelf volunteer, or you can help with bigger events that happen less frequently, like Shorewood Reads.
What do you like most about being part of the Friends?
McKenzie: I serve as the co-chair of Fundraising and Promotion Committee. This role gives me an official excuse to do something I was already doing: speaking passionately to others about our public library.
What are some new events or opportunities to get involved and commit support to the Friends?
McKenzie: Daniel Goldin of Boswell Book Company will be presenting his annual holiday book talk on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Village Center. Part of the sale of each book supports the Friends. Plus, this year, the Friends will be offering complimentary gift wrapping and accepting donations. Community members often reminisce about the days of a local book store within Shorewood. On the 7th, you’ll get that experience while also supporting the Friends.
Also, watch for opportunities to dine out and support the Friends. We recently completed a fundraiser with Blue’s Egg where a dollar from each "Blue Plate Special" ordered during the month of October was given to the Friends. We really appreciate these partnerships with local businesses.
What do you like to read?
Jane: I like to read historical fiction. I also try to read some of the books that my children Charlie, Zella and Maddie are reading. I always enjoy hearing their thoughts and ideas about books that interest them.
McKenzie: I enjoy political non-fiction and paging through The New Yorker each week.
What do you do when you are not at the library?
Jane: I love spending time with my family - my husband, Peter, and our three children. We really enjoy cooking together. I enjoy walking our dog Gerald (whose name comes from the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems) around Shorewood. I also have a lot of fun volunteering at the Lake Bluff Library.
How can Shorewood residents support the library?
McKenzie: Join the Friends!
Jane: Join the Friends.
Editor’s note: To join the Friends, click here.
Submitted by Anne O’Meara Stillwell
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