Superheroes scale walls, lift heavy things and help people in need, which, incidentally, is exactly what the Junior Friends of the Mattapoisett Library do.

Put more humbly, “the JFOL helps the library and the community as a youth group,” explained long-time member Alex Wurl.

The youth, grades five through high school, are a valuable part of the library and the community, and they’d like to see more kids in town help out.

“They’re a very busy, very active library group,” said adviser Kathleen Kvilhaug.

The students are the backbone of many programs in the children's department. For two years in a row, they have hosted a Halloween party (with the popular “pin the hat on the witch” game.) They have also helped with the summer reading program, hosted lawn games and run movie showings during school vacations. They also help Children’s Librarian Linda Burke, who is one of their biggest fans.

“I like that we have so many different activities that we can do,” said new member Ava Russell.

Facilitating crafts and other events with younger kids is a part of the group’s responsibilities that Victoria Kvilhaug enjoys.

“When you volunteer your time, it’s nice to see the little kids enjoy the activities,” she said.”

One of the most important services of JFOL is helping their adult counterparts, the Friends of the Library, get ready for monthly book sales.

The kids carry hundreds if not thousands of books to the community room the Friday before each sale. They also help pack up at the end of the sale.

“It’s a big job,” said Kvilhaug. “Without their help the Friends of the Library would have a difficult job getting them all out.”

The JFOL members have also been active fundraisers. On book sale days, the group has sold baked goods and collected bottles to recycle. Proceeds have gone to the upkeep of the fish tank in the children’s wing, to a local animal shelter and to help a family whose house burned down. They also raised funds for a medical clinic and for orphaned children in Kenya.

For kids in Mattapoisett, the group contributed around $600 for software at two computer stations.

“It has kid-based software that they can use without parents being worried about what’s on there,” said Alex.

The stations have been a hit with kids (and some adults.)

“Every time we come into the library there are children over there,” said Kvilhaug.

The JFOL has also spent some of its hard earned money on a fun trip to a local climbing wall.

Going forward, the group is taking a break from bake sales and bottle collections as they have a considerable reserve of funds, but they still have plenty to do.

Member Will Stark said he’d like to help spruce up the walls with book-themed displays. There may also be a laser tag outing in the works.

As the Junior Friends gear up for summer, they are inviting any and all students in grades five and up to their next meeting, June 12 at 3:15 p.m. No RSVP is needed.