COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Friends of the Colusa County Library held their annual meeting Feb. 24, highlighting a year of fundraising, events and community support for the local library.
President Angie Kingsley reported the organization raised about $78,000 during 2025. That total exceeded the group’s typical annual fundraising of about $45,000 to $50,000. Kingsley said part of the increase came from several generous gifts, including a memorial donation from longtime community member Peggy Townsend.
Kingsley said the organization looks forward to seeing how the funds will support library programs and services in the coming year.
In addition to fundraising, the group reported $2,816 raised for the library’s Hoopla digital media service, which provides resources for e-books and audiobooks.
“We’re in a very good position to start 2026 and continue the work,” Kingsley said.
Kingsley also thanked members and volunteers for their efforts throughout the year. Activities included participation in the Colusa Art Walk, multiple Author’s Night events, outreach booths at community festivals and concerts, and book sales through the Friends’ Bookworm store.
During the meeting, Cynthia White provided an update on the organization’s upcoming wine tasting fundraiser. The event will be held Saturday, May 2, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Colusa Scout Cabin, 901 Parkhill St. Tickets are $30 and the event is open to those 21 and older.
Kingsley said the event raised more than $30,000 in 2025, recognizing the work of volunteers who helped organize the fundraiser.
White added that the event has raised nearly $300,000 for the library during the past 20 years. The first wine tasting raised about $2,400 and the fundraiser has continued to grow with the support of volunteers, sponsors and attendees.
White also noted a change in this year’s food sponsorship. Romiano Cheese in Willows had long donated about 20 pounds of cheese for the event, but the company recently changed ownership and will no longer be able to provide the donation. White said Sierra Nevada Cheese Company stepped in to sponsor the cheese for this year’s event.
Other events in 2025 included literacy workshops, book giveaways for local students, seasonal promotions at the Bookworm and a holiday mocktail gathering at the library.
The organization elected its board for the 2026-2027 term. Officers include Angie Kingsley, president; Janice Brannon, vice president; Maddison Martin, secretary; and Christine Dobel, treasurer.