September Spotlight: Tecumseh Friends of the Library

We recently had the joy of hosting Friends of the Library – Tecumseh at a lunch event with The Lokal Link. Beth Lyle and Jennifer LaGrange shared about the many ways their organization uplifts the Tecumseh Public Library and, in doing so, uplifts our whole community.

What they do is more than just book sales or fundraisers. At its core, the Friends group strengthens the library’s ability to provide free, enriching experiences, programs, outreach, and access that would otherwise cost more or might not exist at all.

Why Their Work Matters

Public libraries are powerful anchors in communities. They’re more than places to borrow books; they’re hubs for education, connection, opportunity, and growth. In rural and small-town settings especially, they often fill gaps in access to technology, health information, literacy support, and social programming.

Friends of the Library groups play a critical role behind the scenes: raising funds, advocating, volunteering, and helping the library stay visible in community life. The Tecumseh group is no different. Their efforts help ensure:

• Programs stay free — by collecting donations, membership dues, or supporting events

• Awareness and outreach grow — so people know what their library offers

• Sustainability and responsiveness — as community needs shift, the Friends group can help the library adapt

During the luncheon, Beth and Jennifer called attention to how “the library is more than just books.” Their five focus areas illustrate that point well:

1. STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math

2. Health – Offering classes, materials, and programs to support wellness and education

3. Upward Mobility – Resources and support for members to grow in education, job skills, or career paths

4. Early Literacy – Ensuring children have access to foundational reading, speaking, and language activities

5. Community Conversations – Author visits, book clubs, issues-based dialog, and shared learning opportunities

These focus areas mirror national trends: libraries increasingly host STEAM labs, health literacy workshops, makerspaces, and community-interface spaces. For example, health literacy efforts in libraries help people evaluate quality online health information and access care resources.

The Tecumseh Friends group, by leaning into these same priorities, positions the library not just as a neutral space, but as a vital partner in education, wellness, and belonging.

Meet Beth Lyle: The Person Behind the Passion

A few words about Beth are worth sharing. She has served for over two decades within Pioneer Library System, including as the branch manager for the Tecumseh library. tecumsehchamber.com Her deep roots in the library world, combined with her love for this community, help her uniquely connect the dots between community needs and library services.

Beth’s story is a reminder that when someone shows up with both expertise and heart, it changes what’s possible for all of us.

How You Can Support

If you’re moved by the vision Friends of the Library is presenting, here are a few ways you can contribute:

• Join their annual membership — only $25, and this year it’s a joint membership with the Tecumseh Historical Society

• Volunteer — help with book sorting, events, or outreach

• Promote their work — share with neighbors, tell your networks, talk about the library and what it offers

• Attend library programs — show up for storytimes, STEAM events, adult literacy classes, and more

A Shared Invitation

We’re grateful to Beth, Jennifer, and the entire Friends group for stepping into the Spotlight with us. Their message was clear: the library is here for everyone—children, teens, adults, and families of all kinds.

We hope you’ll join us again at our next Lokal Lunch on October 23rd at 11:30 AM at Roma’s in Shawnee. There will always be someone to meet, something new to learn, and chances to support local mission through connection.