The Brooks Friends of the Library Society was created in 2009. Prior to its formation, The Brooks Library Foundation was the fundraising arm of the Brooks Public Library. Unfortunately, it folded in 2005 after several years of service.

In 1988 Clive Schaupmeyer established the Foundation with five others, Willie Schaupmeyer, Rick Pepper, Tom Krahn and Rev. Jim Hamilton to raise funds for expansion of the library facility. At this point in time, the Library was located in the Town’s Civic Building, downtown Brooks. With the increase in library membership and the Town’s population, expansion of the Library became necessary. The Town demonstrated support as it provided the first funds to the project by matching a Community Recreation and Cultural grant of $28,000.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the Foundation organized a book auction. More than 40 autographed books by various well know Canadian authors were received for the fundraiser held on Nov. 4, 1989 at the Elk’s Hall. In 1991 another fundraiser was organized by the Foundation; a reception and dinner with Canadian author, W.O. Mitchell as the guest speaker. In total the Foundation raised over $500,000 for the library’s move into the current facility, $120,000 of which came directly from the community. Literally hundreds of hours were also contributed by Foundation members to the establishment of the Library in its present home.

Since the establishment of the Foundation, members of this organization have endeavored to raise funds for special projects including a burglar alarm and book security system, as well as furniture and computer equipment for the Library. On April 7, 1995, the Foundation held its first "Death By Chocolate" in the old library space at the Town Civic Building. This was an annual community event held in the spring of each year for the purpose of raising funds for purchases the Library was otherwise unable to make.

Do you see something the library is missing? Please call the library and speak to our head librarian at 362-2947.