‘Friends Programming Pavilion’ Opens at Westlake Porter Public Library

Guests look for their names at the new brick walkway leading to the Friends Pavilion at Porter Library.

A new community gem has opened at Westlake Porter Public Library.

Westlake Porter Public Library and the Friends of Porter Public Library hosted a community dedication celebration for the new ‘Friends Programming Pavilion’ on Sunday, June 4 from 2-4 p.m.

The Pavilion stands on the east end of the Porter property, shaded by trees, surrounded by gardens and at the end of paved trail that honors the names and families of supporters

The Friends Programming Pavilion was created as an outdoor programming and activity space. It is named for the Friends in honor of their 50th Anniversary in 2022 and their generous donation toward its construction. It will be used for library programs but can also be reserved by community groups.

“‘Friends is a group that started over 50 years ago as a way to help the library purchase things that might not be in its budget, such as minivans for outreach, technology, and the Summer Reading program,” explained Jennifer Cirincione, Vice President of Friends of WPPL.

Friends has donated over $1.1 million to the library over the past 50 years, including $100,000 towards this new outdoor space.

“Friends is not just a fundraiser, we are a friend-raiser,” adds Cirincione. “If you have ever shopped at Portables Gift Shop, bought a used book at the Book Nook or played the Cakewalk game at the Ice Cream Social, you have supported Friends and, in turn, the Library.”

How can you become a Friend? You can donate books to the Book Nook, or join Friends for as little as $10 (and this includes a free scoop of Mitchell’s Ice Cream, a Book Nook discount and a discount at Dean’s Greenhouse.

“We also invite you to purchase a brick in the ongoing Walkway Pavilion Project. This has raised over $20,000 this year,” adds Cirincione.