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<\/p>\n\n Apr 23, 2026
\n By Queens University Communications\n <\/p>\n
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The Friends of the Library (FOL), an organization dedicated to fostering a love of literature and supporting the university\u2019s Everett Library, is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. The milestone comes at a time of explosive growth for the group, capped off by a sold-out Spring Books and Coffee event featuring New York Times bestselling author Virginia Evans on April 17.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1971, the Friends of the Library has spent five and a half decades connecting the Charlotte community with world-class authors and literary programming. While the organization has deep roots in the university\u2019s alumni base, Queens FOL Liaison Cindy Nicholson notes that the demographic is shifting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe membership has really grown in the past few years,\u201d says Nicholson. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing more community members and local book clubs joining. We have strong momentum right now; we\u2019re at about 300 members and climbing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The buzz surrounding the Friends of the Library reached a fever pitch with the visit of Virginia Evans, author of the hit novel \u201cThe Correspondent.\u201d The novel has been on the New York Times Best Sellers list for more than 20 weeks, making its debut at No. 1 on February 1.<\/p>\n
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Evans\u2019 visit was coordinated by Phyllis Mahoney, FOL author search chair, who received the recommendation from Sally Brewster at Park Road Books last August. \u201cWhen I asked Sally if she had any recommendations, she handed me Virginia Evans\u2019 book and said, \u2018you\u2019ve got to read this!’\u201d<\/p>\n
A resident of Winston-Salem, Evans shared how she values the connections made at events like Spring Books and Coffee at Everett Library. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly passionate about supporting the whole library ecosystem\u2014whether it\u2019s at a university like Queens or within our county systems,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s so sweet to see everyone come out. I\u2019m honored that people want to spend their time hearing my story, and I\u2019m so grateful for the chance to connect with my readers in person.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bridging the Gap: From Campus to Community<\/p>\n
Beyond high-profile author visits, the FOL is increasingly integrating with Queens\u2019 academic life. This past fall, the group collaborated with Sarah Creech, associate professor of creative writing, for a book study on \u201cCulpability\u201d by Bruce Holsinger, focusing on the timely topic of AI.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a home run,\u201d says Nicholson. \u201cSeeing the students so prepared and the author relating to them in the library\u2014that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the end of the 2025-26 academic year approaches, the FOL is preparing for its \u201cFinal Chapter\u201d event on May 11 featuring novelist Nicola Harrison, followed by the launch of their annual membership campaign on July 1.<\/p>\n
Although the Friends of the Library has evolved through the years, its mission remains the same: proving that even in an age of technology, the power of a good book is undiminished.<\/p>\n
Want to be a Friend of the Library?<\/p>\n