By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer

The Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library are hosting fundraising events in order to provide unique amenities for the city’s upcoming new library.

The city of Alabaster plans on funding the project of building the library, along with furnishings. However, the Friends have begun efforts in raising $250,000–all going toward amenities.

Each year, the Friends of the Albert L. Scott Library put on a variety of fundraising events.

“Through these events we typically raise around $10,000 each year,” Judy Mosely, president of Friends, said. “However, we’re looking for volunteers to help us organize the events and put them on.”

Annual fundraisers for the Friends of the library include the Shamrock Family Fun Run, the Spring Book Sale, Fall Book Sale and the Silent Auction.

The new library has an estimated opening of 2027, and with some donations and current fundraising levels only three years away from the opening, they will be $45,000 short of their goal.

“We want to do everything we can to reach our goal,” Mosely said. “We need the citizens of Alabaster to help us in that.”

The Friends intend to fund, design and service enhancements that focus on art and culture, technology, creative arts and kid and teen activities.

These projects include a memory lab for digitizing photos and converting media, new graphic design and coding software, a gaming system for teen room, a community garden and more.

Each project category has an estimated cost of more than $50,000. With a boost from the community, it would be possible for the Friends to accomplish their goal of getting these enhancements.

“Anyone in Shelby County can use the library and its amenities,” Moseley said. “It’s a fantastic resource for everyone, and I want us to be able to add to it.”

The Friends are always looking for new active members and volunteers for events. Those interested in joining the group or volunteering may attend a meeting on the second Monday of each month in the Albert L. Scott Library meeting room.

For those interested in supporting their cause, contributions can be made at the library or through the PayPal giving fund campaign on the library website.