| The Friends of the American Library, e.V. When we heard in 1994 that the US Army was planning to close its bases in Karlsruhe, a small international group of civilian users of the Smiley Library formed The Friends of the American Library. Our goal was to keep the former Army library intact, to keep it in Karlsruhe, and to open it to the general public. Then German Foreign Minister and Karlsruhe Representative Dr. Klaus Kinkel agreed to become our Honorary Chairman. The Army donated the Library to the City of Karlsruhe, and the City agreed to accept the gift on condition that the Friends raise the money for the annual acquisitions budget and provide volunteers to assist the paid, full-time librarian. The American Library opened in November 1996 on a trial basis. Doubts that the Karlsruhe public would be interested in an English-language library began to disappear on the first day, when 1000 guests streamed to the opening and long lines formed at the registration desk. Since that day the library has grown and thrived. With the proceeds of our Friends' membership dues and our biannual Book and Bake Sales and through the support of The Robert Bosch Stiftung and other business and private doners, the Friends have met our goal of providing 20,000-30,000 Euro per year for new books and other media. Thus the library is kept constantly up-to-date. Twenty-five volunteers from many nations man the check-out counter and the back office. Since the opening, thousands of readers from Karlsruhe and beyond have registered for cards. The Friends organize readings and events in English and advises pupils and students who want to attend schools or universities in the USA (see Educational Advising). Membership in the Friends of the American Library The annual membership fee of
In addition the Friends receive a quarterly mailing with news about the library and reminders of upcoming events. Membership forms are avaliable at the check-out counter or can be requested per phone (0721/72752) or fax (0721 7908806). |