Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Bartow County Library System is made up of community members dedicated to assisting the development and improvement of services in the Library. Friends believe that any community with a modern, well-equipped library with an up-to-date collection is a better place to live. Friends view the library as a dynamic educational force and the cultural and research center of the community. View our membership section for more details on how you can help create better library services for everyone.
FOL Information
Elections to the Board of Directors are held during the October annual meeting, usually in the third week of the month, and directors serve entirely as volunteers.
The Friends of the Library Board meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in the Cartersville Public Library Conference Room to plan fundraisers and advocacy for the library system.
Current Board of Directors
Charity Chastain, President
Sarah Craighead & Rick Shireman, Co Vice Presidents
Sarah Ledford, Secretary
Becky Carr, Treasurer
Directors: Fartema Fagin, Laura Fritz, Adrienne Hughes, Lori McAllister, Danielle Swanson
Library Liaisons: Carmen Sims, Jill McAllister
The Friends of the Library Board meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in the Cartersville Public Library Conference Room to plan fundraisers and advocacy for the library system.
Current Board of Directors
Charity Chastain, President
Sarah Craighead & Rick Shireman, Co Vice Presidents
Sarah Ledford, Secretary
Becky Carr, Treasurer
Directors: Fartema Fagin, Laura Fritz, Adrienne Hughes, Lori McAllister, Danielle Swanson
Library Liaisons: Carmen Sims, Jill McAllister
The Friends of the Library presents an annual donation to the library system to help purchase library materials, fund special programs, support literacy programs, provide programs for adults and children, and support the Summer Reading Program.
The Friends of the Bartow County Library System is an association of community members that value our library and advocates support through membership and volunteer participation.
The Friends of the Bartow County Library System holds quarterly meetings open to the general membership. These meetings are usually followed by a program or event.
A membership term runs for a full year beginning from October 1st, ending September 30th of the following year. Memberships are not prorated for a partial year.
Member Benefits
Join today and support the Bartow County Library System!
The Friends of the Bartow County Library System holds quarterly meetings open to the general membership. These meetings are usually followed by a program or event.
A membership term runs for a full year beginning from October 1st, ending September 30th of the following year. Memberships are not prorated for a partial year.
Member Benefits
- Early entrance at the Quarterly Book Sales
- Discounts on select Friends’ events and programs
- Subscription to the Friends’ Quarterly Newsletter
- Volunteer opportunities for your community
- Fun social events
- Voting for or serving as a Board Director
Join today and support the Bartow County Library System!
Follow us on Facebook
Email:
Fol30120@gmail.com
Mail:
Friends of the Library
429 W Main Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
Email:
Fol30120@gmail.com
Mail:
Friends of the Library
429 W Main Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
2023 Craft Fair Vendor Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I register?
You must fill out the online registration form and pay for your space through PayPal to be fully registered and a booth space held for you. We will only accept booth rental fees online through Paypal.
2. What is the location and hours of the event?
Georgia Highlands College is hosting the event. This beautiful facility will be an amazing location to host our
customers as they shop for the Christmas season. The Craft Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm. We ask all
vendors to plan on staying until the end of the event.
3. Can I choose my booth space?
This year we are in a new location that is unfamiliar to everyone so we will be assigning booth spaces. We will
assign booth spaces in the order of registration.
4. How large is a single booth space?
Approximately 10’ x 10’. If you plan to sit behind the table and need to be able to get in and out of your booth
(especially if you are located along a wall) we recommend that you plan on exit space within your booth’s
dimensions.
5. Are there any outdoor booths?
No outdoor booths are available this year.
6. Can I bring my popup tent?
No, since all of the booths are indoors.
7. After registering, how will I know that you received my information and which space I have been assigned for the event?
You will receive a confirmation of your registration once you have submitted your registration form and your payment. You will be notified of your space assignment when you set up for the event.
8. What if I need electricity?
Limited electrical outlets are available. You must supply your own extension cords and tape cords as
appropriate. We highly advise that you bring display items that can be operated by battery such as lighting, etc.
9. Who do I contact if I have problems registering or need additional information?
Please email Friends.craftfair@gmail.com. As this email address is monitored by FOL volunteers, the email may not be answered immediately. We will do our best to respond promptly.
10. When can I set up?
You can either set up the day before the event from 3-6pm or on the morning of the event starting at 8:00 am. Vendors must be unloaded and cars moved to the back of the parking lot before 9:45 am on the day of the event. If a space is not claimed by a vendor by 9:15am on November 11, the space may be released to another vendor. A refund will not be given for the space that was claimed by another vendor.
11. What size are the tables available for rent?
Most of the tables are 6’ although a few are 8’. This year we only have access to 31 tables. They will be limited to one per vendor and are available on a first come first served basis. Tables are $5 and vendors will pay for them the day of the event.
12. Do you have chairs for the vendors?
Chairs are not available this year.
13. Can I use Christmas lights in my table decoration?
Yes, but you are not guaranteed access to power. Battery-powered lights are recommended.
14. When is the deadline to register?
There is no hard deadline. Booth availability is first-come, first-served. When booths are full, registration closes, however, we will maintain a waiting list.
15. Is there a discount if reserving two or more spaces?
No.
16. Do Friends members get a discount on registration?
No, but Friends members do get one week of priority registration when it opens.
17. Can I get a refund of my registration fee if I have to cancel?
The Registration fee can be refunded if we are notified more than 14 days from the date of the event. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations within two weeks of the event. It may take up to 30 days to receive your refund.
18. Will snacks and coffee be available to vendors for free?
We are not able to provide snacks this year since there is a food vendor associated with Georgia Highlands. However, they will have coffee, snacks, and food available for lunch.
19. Can vendors sell food?
Yes, but it must be prepared off-site and prepackaged. Hot food or food that is actively prepared on site is not allowed.
1. How do I register?
You must fill out the online registration form and pay for your space through PayPal to be fully registered and a booth space held for you. We will only accept booth rental fees online through Paypal.
2. What is the location and hours of the event?
Georgia Highlands College is hosting the event. This beautiful facility will be an amazing location to host our
customers as they shop for the Christmas season. The Craft Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm. We ask all
vendors to plan on staying until the end of the event.
3. Can I choose my booth space?
This year we are in a new location that is unfamiliar to everyone so we will be assigning booth spaces. We will
assign booth spaces in the order of registration.
4. How large is a single booth space?
Approximately 10’ x 10’. If you plan to sit behind the table and need to be able to get in and out of your booth
(especially if you are located along a wall) we recommend that you plan on exit space within your booth’s
dimensions.
5. Are there any outdoor booths?
No outdoor booths are available this year.
6. Can I bring my popup tent?
No, since all of the booths are indoors.
7. After registering, how will I know that you received my information and which space I have been assigned for the event?
You will receive a confirmation of your registration once you have submitted your registration form and your payment. You will be notified of your space assignment when you set up for the event.
8. What if I need electricity?
Limited electrical outlets are available. You must supply your own extension cords and tape cords as
appropriate. We highly advise that you bring display items that can be operated by battery such as lighting, etc.
9. Who do I contact if I have problems registering or need additional information?
Please email Friends.craftfair@gmail.com. As this email address is monitored by FOL volunteers, the email may not be answered immediately. We will do our best to respond promptly.
10. When can I set up?
You can either set up the day before the event from 3-6pm or on the morning of the event starting at 8:00 am. Vendors must be unloaded and cars moved to the back of the parking lot before 9:45 am on the day of the event. If a space is not claimed by a vendor by 9:15am on November 11, the space may be released to another vendor. A refund will not be given for the space that was claimed by another vendor.
11. What size are the tables available for rent?
Most of the tables are 6’ although a few are 8’. This year we only have access to 31 tables. They will be limited to one per vendor and are available on a first come first served basis. Tables are $5 and vendors will pay for them the day of the event.
12. Do you have chairs for the vendors?
Chairs are not available this year.
13. Can I use Christmas lights in my table decoration?
Yes, but you are not guaranteed access to power. Battery-powered lights are recommended.
14. When is the deadline to register?
There is no hard deadline. Booth availability is first-come, first-served. When booths are full, registration closes, however, we will maintain a waiting list.
15. Is there a discount if reserving two or more spaces?
No.
16. Do Friends members get a discount on registration?
No, but Friends members do get one week of priority registration when it opens.
17. Can I get a refund of my registration fee if I have to cancel?
The Registration fee can be refunded if we are notified more than 14 days from the date of the event. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations within two weeks of the event. It may take up to 30 days to receive your refund.
18. Will snacks and coffee be available to vendors for free?
We are not able to provide snacks this year since there is a food vendor associated with Georgia Highlands. However, they will have coffee, snacks, and food available for lunch.
19. Can vendors sell food?
Yes, but it must be prepared off-site and prepackaged. Hot food or food that is actively prepared on site is not allowed.
Priority registration for members of Friends of the Library: Opens July 12th
Past Vendor registration: Opens July 19th
General registration: Opens July 26th
Currently waitlist only. Complete the registration form to be placed on the waitlist. You will be contacted by email if a booth becomes available.
Vendor Registration Form
Currently waitlist only. You will be notified if a booth becomes available.
Events
The Friends sell used books and media to support the library. The Friends take donations of books, DVDs, music CDs, puzzles and computer games. Donations are accepted during regular Library hours at the donation bin next to the library garage. For large quantities notify library staff for intake at 770-382-4203.
Readers Digest condensed books, instructional material in binders, VHS tapes and magazines are not accepted.
The sales are held on the first Saturday of the month in March, June, September and December.
Cartersville Public Library
429 W Main St
(garage corner near Main St)
9 AM – 10 AM – Friends of the Library members
10 AM – 2 PM – General Public
1 PM – 2 PM – Buy a $5 Friends bag and fill it for $5 more
Upcoming Sales:
September 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
March 2, 2024
June 1, 2024
Readers Digest condensed books, instructional material in binders, VHS tapes and magazines are not accepted.
The sales are held on the first Saturday of the month in March, June, September and December.
Cartersville Public Library
429 W Main St
(garage corner near Main St)
9 AM – 10 AM – Friends of the Library members
10 AM – 2 PM – General Public
1 PM – 2 PM – Buy a $5 Friends bag and fill it for $5 more
Upcoming Sales:
September 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
March 2, 2024
June 1, 2024
November 11, 2023
10 am – 4 pm
Georgia Highlands College
Cartersville Campus
5441 GA Hwy 20
Free admission, free parking
Over 60 vendors of hand-crafted items, gifts, foods and baked goods.
Support local small businesses and friends.
Shop for personal, unique gifts before the holiday rush!
Sponsored by Friends of Bartow County Libraries
Vendors: See 2023 Craft Fair Vendor Registration section.
10 am – 4 pm
Georgia Highlands College
Cartersville Campus
5441 GA Hwy 20
Free admission, free parking
Over 60 vendors of hand-crafted items, gifts, foods and baked goods.
Support local small businesses and friends.
Shop for personal, unique gifts before the holiday rush!
Sponsored by Friends of Bartow County Libraries
Vendors: See 2023 Craft Fair Vendor Registration section.
Friends of the Library presents Etowah Jazz Society at the Cartersville Library - All Welcome!
October 19th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join the Friends for a special outdoor performance by the Etowah Jazz Society! We welcome you to bring your chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy during the show.
Join us for Season of Wonder at the Cartersville Library throughout the month of December.
Presenting a season filled with live music, crafts, movies, and many more magical activities, all completely free. Bring the family and spend time in our winter wonderland of trees decorated by local schools.
October 19th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join the Friends for a special outdoor performance by the Etowah Jazz Society! We welcome you to bring your chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy during the show.
Join us for Season of Wonder at the Cartersville Library throughout the month of December.
Presenting a season filled with live music, crafts, movies, and many more magical activities, all completely free. Bring the family and spend time in our winter wonderland of trees decorated by local schools.
How to Donate
Monetary donations to ‘Friends of the Library’ are welcome, and will be used to support programs, purchases, and technology for the Bartow County Library System. Bring your donation to the front desk of any library branch or mail to: Friends of the Library, 429 W. Main St., Cartersville, GA 30120. Include your name and mailing address.
Friends of the Library accepts donations as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations may qualify as tax-deductible to a non-profit, and a receipt will be issued if desired.
To donate books and other materials see Quarterly Book Sale under Events.
Friends of the Library accepts donations as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations may qualify as tax-deductible to a non-profit, and a receipt will be issued if desired.
To donate books and other materials see Quarterly Book Sale under Events.
Enroll your Kroger Rewards card account for Kroger to donate to Friends of the Library:
Organization Name:
FRIENDS OF THE BARTOW COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
Organization Number:
RA736