Gainesville, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District celebrates National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 18-20 by thanking our Friends of the Library for their many contributions to our public library system.
Friends of the Library (FOL) has provided more than $5.3 million to the Library District since 1986 when the Alachua County Library District became an independent special taxing district, contributions that fund exceptional programming, in-demand materials, and remodel projects at branches. The all-volunteer organization raises money at popular biannual book sales at the Book House, 430-B N. Main St. Adapting to current norms, FOL has transitioned to the online Bag of Books Sale in October, selling sacks of books, CDs, vinyl records, and DVDs by category.
In fiscal year 2019-2020 alone, FOL provided more than $20,000 for local library programs. FOL has funded Quiet Reading Rooms at multiple branches, providing patrons with a peaceful space to read, study, and work. The nonprofit has also empowered staff members to continue their education by granting more than $341,000 in scholarships. In addition to supporting the Library District, FOL provides biannual mini grants to nonprofits and educational groups that enrich the cultural life of Alachua County.
In 2020, the Friends of the Library (FOL) purchased the front portion of the property at 430 N. Main St., adding room to grow. You can support FOL and your local public library system with your donations, time, and dollars. Here’s how:
- Shop
- Order items from FOL’s Bag of Books Sale through the end of October at shop.folacld.org/.
- Join
- FOL welcomes new members year-round. Annual memberships are $10 a year for students, $10 for seniors, $15 for individuals, and $25 for a family. Visit folacld.org.
- Volunteer
- Volunteers help all year with intake and sorting donations into 65 categories and staffing book sales. Call 352-375-1676 to leave a message for the volunteer coordinator or email folacld@bellsouth.net.
- Donate
The Alachua County Library District also benefits from the support of Friends of the Micanopy Library, Friends of the Alachua Library, and High Springs Library Friends. These organizations enrich their communities and branches in many ways, including tutoring programs, volunteer hours, and donations.
For more details or to schedule an interview, please contact Rachel Cook at 352-334-3909 or rcook@aclib.us. 