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The Friends is a voluntary group who support the development of the library, the upstairs gallery and the historic Williams House.  The Friends enjoy an excellent working arrangement with the Far North District Council and the Williams family who support the many projects the Friends undertake. 

The Friends are and active group who have completed many projects. 
1. Upstairs gallery:  This has been equipped with an art hanging display system, lighting and carpet. The gallery is available for local artists to display their art.  The Art Gallery has been run once more (since January 2010) by the library and if anyone is interested in making use of this gallery they should Rae Middleton Email: rae.middleton@fndc.govt.nz

2.  Restoration of the Old Stone Shed:  The Friends organised the restoration of this historic shed.  The first school house in Paihia this shed is steeped in history.  The next stage of the project is to organise a display within the shed that details the historic significance and its many uses.

3.  Restoration of the garage:  A local resident donated the Friends $9,000.00 to restore the garage.  The Friends now use the garage as a venue to sell second hand books.  This is their main source of funds.  The Friends welcome the donation of used books which they will collect.  The Garage Book sale co-ordinator is Annette Roberts, email: nuggies@xtra.co.nz .

4. Brochure: A brochure has been published explaining the history of the House, gardens and site. The site has direct links with Henry Williams who arrived in Paihia in 1823 to establish an Anglican Mission Station.  These brochures are available from the Paihia Library, Paihia I-site office or at the Williams House garage.

5. A Book has been commissioned to record the living memories of those associated with the House and gardens. Recording and research is currently being done, and the book should be published in 2009.

6. Garden:  This is an ongoing project for the Friends and the helpers.  Three garden seats provided are well used by the many visitors.  An interested local has volunteered to look after the vege garden and tends this in his own time when convenient.  The Friends have regular working bees to look after the flower beds.  Any one who would like to join us at working bees or would like to take the ownership of an area of the garden is welcome.

7. The Friends make annual donations to the library to purchase books, puzzles and other items as they are needed. 

8 Anyone who would like to become a member of the Friends is welcome, please contact any of the Friends listed.
SOME NEW ACHEIVEMENTS!!
Do you like the new lights in the library in the children’s room, non-fiction and workroom?

This is the latest project, organised and paid for by the fund raising of the Friends of Williams House - Paihia Library.  They cost $1200 and aren’t they great!

Have you checked the back flap of the book you are reading? Is it one that was bought with donations to the library by the Friends?

The Friends also have volunteer gardeners for most flower beds but we have paid to get a lot of the heavier work done - that’s why the gardens look tidier and better. 

Yes - the garden is supervised by the Friends. We sell our own fruit and vegetables at the garage door. We also have a garden plan and planting is about to get underway.

The garage sales of second hand books has raised thousands in fund raising - fantastic! Thank you.

Do you have any second hand books we can have? We always need more and we can collect - please reply to this email to liaise.

Do you know the Friends have commissioned a book on the social history of the house?  Yes, we have an oral historian talking to those involved with the house and garden.

Signage for a garden trail is underway - Did you know there are over 25 points of interest in the Williams House garden?

We are just completing our 2009 strategic plan and are identifying projects for the 2010 -2011 plan.  Have you any ideas?

We have lots of fun and spread our tasks so would you like to join us?  or at least here more about what we do? how we support the house, the grounds and the library?

Please come and join us, ask us, assist us - at our meetings, or on the committee. Hear more at the…

Friends of Williams House, Paihia Library Inc.

More information
Contact name	Chairperson: Val Cadell PH: 40 27109 or Secretary Anne Corbett PH: 40 27882
Address	Williams Road, Paihia
Website	www.sites.google.com/site/friendsofwilliamshouse/
Email
Postal Address	P.O. Box 151, Paihia 0247