The Friends of the Fayette County Public Library
Serving Fayette County since 1985
Our History
Our organization was formed March 14, 1985 when a group of mutually interested citizens met to discuss forming a library support organization. By-laws of the organization were adopted June 10, 1986 by the officers - Rose Hall, Susanna Howle, Collin Kelley, Betty Parker, S. Powell, and Mickey Seigle. The group met monthly and formalized its status by December 1986 as The Friends of the Margaret Mitchell Public Library, Inc.
The name of the library was changed to The Fayette County Public Library when the library moved to its present location in January, 1997. Our organization amended its By-Laws on September 12, 1997 to become The Friends of the Fayette County Public Library.
Mission Statement
Our Purpose:
To maintain an organization of persons, clubs, organizations and businesses interested in the promotion and strengthening of The Fayette County Public Library and its services, collection and facilities.
To cooperate actively with the library staff and The Fayette County Library Board as an informed group, aware of the library’s operations, objectives and needs.
To be informed of federal, state and local legislation affecting the extension and improvement of libraries; to strengthen the library’s collection and facilities not provided by The Fayette County Public Library’s budget.
To encourage gifts, donations, and endowments and bequests for The Fayette County Public Library and to receive all such gifts, donations, and endowments and bequests.
To raise funds to be applied toward accomplishing the purpose of the organization.
Who We Are and
What We Do
We are a nonprofit volunteer organization composed of members interested in enriching the quality of library resources and services in the Fayette County Community. The Friends share energy, knowledge and expertise to support library activities and programs with our financial and volunteer efforts. We work with and encourage local governments, and business & civic organizations to support the cultural and educational enhancement of our community by partnering with the Friends.
We believe that the public library plays an important role in the cultural and educational enrichment of the community. As a result, the Friends:
Monitor local, state and national library issues, and where possible, participate and lobby for the Public Library System as advocates of the library and its services.
Keep abreast of current and future needs of The Fayette County Public Library.
Conduct fundraisers and used book sales to generate funds for programs, materials and resources that are not provided for in the county budget.
Maintain communication with Friends Members and the community to encourage participation with Friends and library activities, and to build community centered around the appreciation of literacy, culture and education.
The Friends Footprints…
The community has been very receptive to our in-person and online used book sales where we raise the majority of our funds. We are also blessed with 300+ members whose yearly donations we could not do without!
These funds support many visible library programs, as well as many that operate behind the scenes. Over the years, we have funded Summer Reading Programs, book club resources, and materials for children’s storytimes. We have also funded the purchase of books, listening centers, game and exploration tables, furniture, computers, etc. for The Fayette County Public Library. In addition, we sponsor the visiting author’s series, the Blended Heritage Program, and other cultural activities. We are proud to leave as many “Friends Footprints” as we can!
Three Ways You Can Be a Friend to Your Library…
Join!
Support the work of the Friends by becoming a Member. You can help our community and meet others with whom you can share your love of the library.
Volunteer!
Advocate for libraries
Give of your time and talents
Help sort and price books
Work at our book sales
Be a board member
And so many more opportunities!
Donate!
Contribute books for our book sales and make cash contributions. All donations are tax deductible.