Masonic Friends of Whittier Library. Whittier library has an annual budget of 1,100.00. From that amount, they must pay for internet service for the library computers, web subscriptions to school district required websites, any magazine subscriptions, paper and office supplies and finally, what is left over, goes to books. Last year 1/10th of their entire yearly budget went to a required purchase just five large type books on sports for special needs children. The librarian tells us when new books do come in, the kids actually fight over them. They plead with her to get books they want to read. Unlike other children, it is not a situation where parents can afford to buy books for these kids. She said, for most of them, just providing food and shelter is a major concern for their families. Buying and owning a book is an unattainable luxury. The Masonic Friends of Whittier Library has pledged to give $2,000.00 for books to the Library this year. In addition, we will (as we did this year) have a drawing for books in conjunction with our Masonic Bike for Books program.  You are invited to join in this worthy cause by becoming a friend for a $25.00 donation. A book will be donated either in your name, or as a memorial to a loved one, or in the name of the Lodge. It is your choice. All books will be chosen by the Librarian and Whittier teaching staff for age appropriate books. The good news is an unnamed brother has pledged to match our every donation dollar for dollar up to $1,000. Which will give us our $2,000 goal. We can do this. This is a noble calling. As Freemasons we are charged with raising men from darkness to light. Which is one of the reasons why we are great believers in and supporters of public education for the common man and for the common good. What many do not know, is that Freemasons were the driving force behind the foundation of public education in this country. We believe in raising all of mankind from the darkness and tyranny of ignorance, to the light of reason and understanding. Irrespective of one’s beliefs, the fact remains that public education in this country has been slowly beggared and outright assaulted for a number of years. We are now seeing the very sad fruits of this. The state of the Whittier Library is a sobering example. We have a choice in this thing, and we should do the right thing. As our Brother Thomas Jefferson once said, an educated citizenry is the greatest safeguard for our democracy  and a bulwark against tyranny. To see one reason why this is important to our country, CLICK HERE and HERE. For more information, please contact Worshipful Brothers Tom Duffy or Anthony Kelson.

Pictured here are our new Lodge officers for 2010 - 2011. You may click on the photo for a larger image and the names and offices of each brother.