Because libraries help build strong communities
We need Friends like you…You can help improve your community
Friends Groups are a great way to become active in your community and meet your neighbors.
How can I help? Easy ways to get started as a Friend
- Volunteer at your library
- Attend library events
- Support your library with donations
- Help out with a special project
- Talk with community members to share the value of libraries
- Attend Friends Group meetings
Friends of Glatfelter Memorial Library
The Friends of Glatfelter Library are comprised of volunteers who support the library through programs, events, and fundraisers. Within the library, the Friends raise funds primarily through their ongoing in-house book sale, yard sale, and Read-A-Thon. Profits from these fundraisers then benefit the library through various means such as: providing funding for programs and purchasing items beyond what the library budget allows.
Meet Our Friends Group
Anne Jones
President
Retired School teacher
Retired Special Education Teacher with LIU #12
As the daughter of a Librarian, books were everywhere, and libraries were a second home. Anne served on the library board before taking on the role of Friends President. As president, she serves as liaison with the Library staff for fundraisers, events and special projects. Anne is also a main desk volunteer and one of our friendly faces to help you find just the right book. As a longtime advocate for literacy and learning, Anne is happy to answer questions directly about how the Friends group serves the library and the community.
Ann Seitz-Brown
Vice-President
Financial Advisor with Thrivent
Ann was a member, then Vice-President of the library board. As 1 of 8 certified college planning specialists in PA, she’s passionate about helping families save money on college. She’s also a Laundry Love organizer, creating spaces that provide free clothes washing for those who struggle financially. She loves that the library is a resource for everyone in the community. She often checks out novels written by women like Julia Quinn and Louise Penny.
Alissa Barshinger
Secretary
Former High School Science Teacher and Current Real Estate Investor
Alissa served on the library board as Secretary from 2018-2019 and as Friends Secretary from 2020-present. Alissa is responsible for keeping the Friends group meeting minutes and thanking our many wonderful supporters as we receive gifts throughout the year, and she plays a leadership role in the ongoing fundraising efforts to support Glatfelter Memorial Library. A passionate library supporter, Alissa has enjoyed attending many children’s programs at Glatfelter Memorial Library with her children, and she credits the many wonderful staff members here for helping foster her children’s love of reading.
Melissa Fowble
Treasurer
Manager at Members 1st Credit Union
Melissa is an active member of the Friends Group of the Glatfelter Memorial Library. Melissa works full time as a Branch Manager for Members 1st Federal Credit Union in South Hanover and is an active in the Spring Grove and Hanover Community. Melissa also resides in Spring Grove.
Betsy Scheivert
Member
Retired High School English Teacher and Elementary Librarian
Betsy joined the GML Board in 2015 and has continued as a member of the Friends group. She also serves on the St. Paul Lutheran Church Council. Glatfelter Memorial Library has always been a special part of her family’s life, and Betsy is pleased to be a part of the support system for this exceptional community resource. Her favorite library project is the Readathon fundraiser. With several librarians in her family and grandchildren who are avid readers, Betsy believes strongly in the power of books, the importance of early literacy, and the value of school and public libraries.
Janice Smith
Member
Retired college administrator
Former Spring Grove School Board President
Advocate for libraries since her Mom took her to the local library to borrow more books every time she finished reading the limit of 6 per visit.
Jean Weidler
Member
Retired Certified School Nurse
“I have been a library user/advocate and avid reader since childhood. I am a main desk volunteer and a member of the GML book club. I have volunteered over the years with meals for the homeless and hungry and currently help as able at a local food pantry. I am active in my local church and serve on committees in the wider church, association and conference. As an aside, my mother as a member of the Palmyra Jr. Women’s Club was a founding member of the Palmyra Free Library over 60 years ago. In the early years, the women collected books and took turns being at the “main desk” for lending until they raised the funds to have a librarian take over. I would sit and read in the library when it was her evening to cover. Before Palmyra started their own library, we would borrow books at the Hershey Library. Libraries have been one of my favorite places to visit my whole life. We won’t start about bookstores!”
Kristen Henning
Member
Kristen brings many connections to our library through being active in the community as well as her position within the school district. As a former teacher – turned technology specialist, she not only advocates for literacy initiatives, but also technology and STEM opportunities for our children. She is also the chairperson for our Honors Program.
Monique “Elle” Hale
Member
Real Estate Agent
Elle is a former staff member of the Glatfelter Memorial Library currently focusing on her real estate career. She uses her knowledge and participation in other local non-profit Boards and Committees to bring a different perspective to the Glatfelter Friends Group. Elle volunteers with the United Way of York County, in the Spring Grove Area School District, and within her local and state real estate associations. The library has always been one of the most important things to Elle due to her love of books and reading.