CLA Seeking Friends

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 3, 2026

COMMUNITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION SEEKING ‘FRIENDS’

FOX CHAPEL, PA – The Community Library Association (CLA) is currently seeking local library enthusiasts to join their cause.

The CLA represents Cooper-Siegel Community Library of Fox Chapel Borough and Sharpsburg Community Library of Sharpsburg Borough; which serve the six municipalities in the Fox Chapel Area School District.

As part of the libraries’ growing patronage, programming and physical renovations, CLA board

members created the new Friends of CLA group, in the hopes of finding like-minded library lovers to serve as community liaisons.

Also known as “FOCLA,” the group aims to support exemplary library service through fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy; provides input on and helps implement strategic plans; upholds library policies, as adopted by the CLA Board, and promotes the libraries’ mission to cultivate a community of lifelong learners.

Board members Lauren Gleason and Kathleen Freyvogel are spearheading FOCLA’s recruitment efforts, in the hopes of having the group’s first official meeting this summer. Gleason said CLA was one of the only library communities without a “friends” organization for many years – but that changes now.

“With so many generous, philanthropic and community-minded citizens, it’s a no-brainer that we form this organization and swing for the fences,” Gleason said. “All our patrons are already friends of the library. Through checking out books, attending programming, purchasing raffle tickets or donating to campaigns, you are supporting our libraries.”

Gleason said FOCLA “formalizes” patrons’ ongoing support into a community group tasked with helping to ensure both libraries are “well-equipped and well-positioned to continue serving our community in perpetuity.”

“Our libraries’ only income sources are government funding and private donations – and it barely covers expenses. Let’s add an additional revenue stream with FOCLA,” she said. “Similar communities are able to bring in thousands of dollars each year to support their libraries. Our Executive Director Jill McConnell can do so much with additional funds.”

FOCLA is open to all library patrons, even those who don’t reside in the service area, and “the best part,” Gleason said, “is that the level of commitment is up to you.”

“Maybe you support FOCLA by paying the optional membership fee; or you volunteer your time at library events, like the Chili Cookoff or Summer Reading Party; or you help to plan a fundraiser, like a plant sale luncheon; or you help recruit new FOCLA members at community events,” she said. “All contributions are welcome and appreciated.”

Visit www.coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/friends-of-the-cla to learn more about the Friends of CLA group, view the libraries’ current wish list, or express interest in becoming a member. Patrons interested in serving as a FOCLA officer can also email laurenanngleason@gmail.com orkfreyvogel@yahoo.com.

“We’re excited to see what this community can do! So many of our friends and neighbors use and love our libraries but are completely unaware of the financial situation and what they can do to help,” Gleason said. “Forming FOCLA provides the foundation for this community to come together to donate, volunteer and advocate for our local libraries. It is a statement that this community values its libraries and intends to invest in their future.”

For more information about the Community Library Association, including its libraries and upcoming programming, visit www.coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org.

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For media inquiries, contact Communications & Marketing Specialist Kaylie Glaze at 412-828-9520, ext. 5012, or glazek@coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org. Cooper-Siegel and Sharpsburg Community Libraries belong to the Allegheny County Library Association; comprise the 501c3 nonprofit Community Library Association; and serve all Fox Chapel School District communities.