Celebrate Friends of Libraries Week

Gainesville, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District celebrates National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 17-23 by thanking Friends of the Library for their many contributions to our public library system. 

Friends of the Library (FOL) has provided more than $5.4 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. The first in-person book sale since 2019 will be held Oct. 23-27.

In fiscal year 2020-2021 alone, FOL provided more than $25,000 for local library programs, materials, and services. 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 with more than $351,000 in scholarships. In addition to supporting the Library District, FOL provides grants to nonprofits and educational groups that enrich the cultural life of Alachua County.

You can support FOL and your local public library system with your donations, time, and dollars. Here’s how: 

• Shop
  • Pick up books, movies, art, vinyl records, and more at the Fall Book Sale Oct. 23-27.
• 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 categories and staffing book sales. Call 352-375-1676 to leave a message for the volunteer coordinator or email folacld@bellsouth.net.
• Donate
  • FOL accepts all categories of books, artwork, DVDs, vinyl records, puzzles, board games, and more at the Book House. Donations will be accepted following the fall book sale, please check the FOL website for details. 

The Alachua County Library District also benefits from the support of Friends groups for the Micanopy, Alachua, and High Springs branches. These organizations enrich our 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.