The Cobb Library Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, supports the Cobb County Library System by raising funds and seeking other contributions from the community and business partnerships.

On Oct. 20, the community will have a chance to support the library system when CLF presents its largest fundraiser and social event, Booked for the Evening Gala, at Marietta Country Club at 6:30 p.m. Sue Kidd Monk, author of “Secret Lives of Bees,” will receive the Jim & Carol Ney Literary Award for this year's outstanding Georgia author.

The mission of the CLF incorporated in 2003 is twofold, according to Executive Director Mary Ellen Leffard. She said, “We are advocates of the Cobb County Library system, and we raise money to supplement the County and State budgets for the library system.”

Because the library system provides Cobb County more than just books, CLF assists financially to ensure excellence is maintained. Among the programs funded in part by CLF are literacy initiatives for adults and children, technology enhancements, expanded library collections and education and cultural programs including the Booked for Lunch and Booked at Six dinner series held around Cobb County featuring Southeastern authors.

All of Cobb County benefits from support of Cobb Library Foundation.

“There are a lot of nonprofits in Cobb County that do great work. But they serve a very defined segment of our population,” she said. “The library system is a resource for every single person that lives in Cobb County whether they are a student being homeschooled or whether you are a CEO of a company.”

CLF also needs manpower to carry out its purpose. Friends of the Library, the volunteer arm of CLF, do everything from helping with events to volunteering in the library system.

“We encourage everyone to be involved with Friends of the Library,” she said. “The library in every community is the heartbeat, the nerve center of that community or should be.”

To learn more about CLF or buy gala tickets, visit www.cobblibraryfoundation.org.