Friends Spotlight: Melissa

Friends President Brian Blackerby and Melissa celebrate her 10 years of service to the Friends.

Celebrating her 10th anniversary as the Friends Operations Manager, Melissa has spent more than 5,000 hours training volunteers, creating new systems, advocating for the Wichita Public Library, and championing the Friends' mission. She recently finished The Alice Network after being inspired by Kate Quinn's recent visit to the Library and is currently reading a vintage Sesame Street book (found at a book sale!) to her two year old.

How long have you worked for FWPL?

This year is my 10th anniversary! I started working for the Friends July 2016.

What's your role with FWPL and how many hours per week do you work? Do you also contribute volunteer hours?

I work 10 hours a week and I'm the Operations Manager. Usually staff people don't contribute volunteer hours because of the conflict of paid vs volunteer time. I volunteer at my church!

What's the best part of your job?

There are two aspects of the job I really enjoy. First, the people. I've met so many interesting people during my 10 years with the Friends. We have fabulous volunteers I enjoy working with, excellent staff people to work with through the Wichita Public Library and the Foundation and great patrons who shop regularly at the book sales and bookstore. I also really enjoy the challenge of doing the best work we can to advocate and raise funds for the Library by selling books and merchandise. Since I took the job, I've developed new systems, trained new volunteers, created new ways to sell books, and found new locations to sell books.

What FWPL-related event are you looking forward to in 2026? Or, which one have you enjoyed the MOST so far this year?

I love all the events the Friends host! I really enjoyed the volunteer luncheon in April. It's always fun to have all the volunteers together and to honor them.

What's your favorite genre when shopping for a book to read?

I enjoy mysteries but I'm always on the hunt for non-fiction books that catch my eye. Our book sale is a great place to find faith devotional books. I always find something to take home to add to my devotional pile.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished The Alice Network on audiobook. I was inspired to read it after Kate Quinn's visit in February. I'm getting ready to start Louise Penny's All the Devils Are Here. I have enjoyed The Three Pines mysteries so much I make myself wait to start the next book so I don't binge read the series.

Favorite book you've found in our used bookstore or at a recent sale?

This is so difficult because I've been around the books for 10 years! Currently I'm reading a Sesame Street Lift the Flap book from 1996 to my 2 year old. She loves it and I love the slightly vintage style of the Sesame Street artwork. (The copyright is 1996, but the artwork is very reflective of the 1980s Sesame Street!)

Why should someone become a member of FWPL?

Joining The Friends is a great way to support and advocate for the services the city provides through the library system.

Anything else you'd like to add?

In the last 10 years, I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing and being part of the growth of this organization. Over the years we've moved from a cash only, hand written transaction system in the bookstore to accepting credit cards and using a digital point of sale system. We moved from the beloved old library to the amazing Advanced Learning Library. We survived a pandemic with many of our volunteers returning to their roles. We introduced a new membership program and have been making strides to advocate for the library's current needs.

We took on the challenge to sell library and book themed merchandise and try new styles of books selling. We are consistently outperforming our previous years book sales to raise more money for the library.

It's an exciting organization to be involved with!