Volunteer Opportunities

Contact us by email, phone, or a visit to our circulation desk to pick-up a volunteer application, or request information becoming a Friend of Knutson Memorial Library. 

About the Friends of Knutson Memorial Library

The library is lucky to have an enthusiastic group of Friends who volunteer to do everything from weeding flowerbeds, walking in parades, providing refreshments & helping out at events, and decorating, to coming up with creative ways of fundraising to support special projects, including holding an annual Book & Bake Sale. All of the dollars raised are used to fund special programs, or provide “extra” materials and equipment which the library could not otherwise afford.

WHAT ELSE DO FRIENDS DO?

One of the biggest programs the Friends of KML support is the annual summer “Vernon County Reads”; this is a collaborative effort among the seven Vernon County libraries to bring a single well-known author to the area for an event and book signing. Past authors have been William Kent Krueger, Kathleen Ernst, Jane Hamilton, Allen Eskens, and Victoria Houston. The 9th Annual Vernon County Reads program in 2025 featured Wisconsin-based author Beth Amos (also known as Annelise Ryan and Allyson K. Abbott) and her “Monster Hunter Mystery” series,  at the Westby Performing Arts Center at Westby High School. 

The Friends also hold an annual Chili Cook-Off in late February, as well as a fun Trivia Night event in the fall. They assist with numerous community programs and events throughout the year, including running family activities and games for the Coon Valley Heritage Days Weekend in August of each year. 

WHY SHOULD I BECOME A FRIEND?
  • Support children, young adult and adult reading programs.
  • Meet others who love books and the library as much as you do.
  • Participate in Friends activities and find out what is going on in the library world.
  • Be part of Knutson Memorial Library’s vision for the future.
  • Your efforts are needed and will be greatly appreciated by all who love the library!

Friends of KML Board

  • Chris Paulson: President

  • Rita Erlandson: Secretary

  • Susan Pugh: Treasurer

  • Ellie Brye

  • Terri Urbanek 

Our Little Free Pantry

The Friends of Knutson Memorial Library have set up a Little Free Pantry outside the library to help those who are in need of non-perishable food items or personal care items.

This is similar to a Little Free Library with a “take what you need, give what you can” philosophy.

If you would like to make a contribution to our pantry, it would be greatly appreciated. Suggested items include peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, canned tuna, soups, or vegetables, single-serve items such as fruit cups, applesauce, and juice boxes. Small personal care items are also welcomed. Please drop off contributions inside the library if the “Pantry” is full.