About the Friends
The Friends of the Riter C. Hulsey Public Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which promotes the interests and welfare of the library as a cultural and educational asset.
We provide an extension of library resources, services, and facilities through advocacy and community building. General members, and those on the board, advocate for the library throughout Terrell and the surrounding area, helping to raise funds which support, enhance, and expand public library services.
Our members help the library offer the vital resources and services our community needs in a variety of ways. Membership dues provide money to back library projects. Friends also fundraise throughout the year to support community favorites like Summer Reading and free Public WIFI. This money also makes free classes like ESL, Photography, Genealogy for Beginners, and GED prep possible. If your pocket book doesn’t always fit your desire to give, members also volunteer their time to help staff create the programs our community loves.
Advocacy is another big part of being a Friend. Scrolling through your Facebook feed and see someone looking for a way to combat their kids’ summer slide? Tell them about our library’s Summer Reading Program. Overhear someone stressing about income taxes? Let them know our library is a participant in the Vita Program, which provides free tax-prep help.
Simple but impactful!
Your Executive Board
Left to Right: Janie Pettus, Devona Thomas, Amanda Guzman, Brianna West, TVEC's Joy Long, Veronica Slayton, Destiny Arredondo, and Omar Felipe
President - Veronica Slayton
Veronica Slayton grew up with her sisters in Terrell where she built with her own two hands a lovely house made of straw. Unfortunately for her and her sister, Victoria, they had to run to Vern's house after the big bad wolf blew their houses away. Since the wolf couldn't get to the house made of brick, Veronica has been safe and reads stories about building maintenance to her siblings.
Vice President - VACANT
Vacant
Treasurer - Destiny Arredondo
Destiny joined the Friends in 2024 and jumped into action as the treasurer. She and her eight year old daughter utilize the library and the resources given for learning and volunteer opportunities. Destiny works for Max Slayton Funerals as a Funeral Director in Terrell. Her home roots tie her to the community and she dedicates her time to the library board in hopes it will be around for generations.
Secretary - Janie Pettus
Janie grew up under the sea with her older sisters. She loved to collect knick-knacks from the other world and made friends with a human after saving his life when he fell off the boat. Janie decided to move to the other world and now lover to kick back and read about the home she once grew up in.
Fundraising Chair - James Weaver
James lived in the 100 acre wood with his best friends. Every day was an adventure whether he was helping his buds out of holes, or eating his favorite snack: honey! James and his friends made up wonderous tales about a little pig and bear that were the best of friends.
Publicity Chair - Devona Thomas
Devona had the prettiest voice in all the land. She would sing to the birds and they would bring her pieces of twine and tree bark and she would create her very own books to read to the village children. She made a friend out of the grumpiest man in the village and showed him the value of reading and the love of research.
Membership Chair - Amanda Guzman
Amanda is a writer, artist, and avid lover of libraries. She was raised on story time at the Riter C. Hulsey Public Library as a child, and her own children have grown up in and around the library, participating in programs and volunteering. Amanda joined the Friends Board with the hope of keeping this invaluable resource available to the community. She hopes to ensure the joy and learning that the library provided her and her family will be there for others. She currently serves as Membership Chair.