Welcome to the Friends of the Library!
"A good public library is the lifeblood of any community.
It insures that all people, from all walks of life, have access to the information
and ideas they need to learn and grow, to solve problems, and to dream."
~James Michener, Author

What are Friends of the Library?
The Friends of the Library are local residents or business members of a community who value public library service and collectively believe that their library is one of the key elements that make their community a wonderful place to live. They volunteer their time and talent to promote the use of the library, to assist library staff and to raise funds, which are used to enhance library services. As our county continues to grow in population, the needs of the Library grow in proportion as well. Because funding for libraries historically has been very limited, Friends organizations have played a vital role in the success of our County Library system.

How Do I Become A Friend of the Library?
Membership applications and brochures about your local SBCL Friends of the Library organization are available in your local branch library. Friends Boards and committee members generally meet once a month to conduct their business. There is generally a small membership fee to join a Friends group. As a Friend of the Library, you can choose how little or how much your involvement will be. One thing is for sure: you will be among "Friends"!

How do Friends of the Library advocate library issues?
Friends of the Library consult with library staff and help identify problem areas regarding current and pending legislation and local legislative support. Friends focus on "issue-oriented" matters and frequently write letters, make phone calls or personally contact legislators to promote issues that are in the best interests of the library.

Each of our 29 branches has a Friends of the Library organization and collectively are members of the Friends of the Library of the United States (FOLUSA), a national organization of Friends groups active in libraries throughout the country.

Further information about statewide Friends of the Library events and updates can be obtained at Friends of California Libraries.

     What can the Friends do for the Library?
     w Friends groups raise funds that are used to supplement collections and support         programming.
     w Friends groups organize and conduct book sales.
     w Friends groups sponsor cultural activities for the community.
     w Friends groups support Summer Reading Programs for children and young adults.
     w Friends volunteer their time and talents in support of library staff.
     w Friends are library advocates and often serve as the voice of their community in         contacts with administrators and local legislators.
     w San Bernardino County Library Friends organizations collectively donated              almost $448,000 during 2003-2004!