Who We Are
The Friends of the Mobile Public Library is a non-profit, volunteer organization, formed in 1983, which is dedicated to supporting the Mobile Public Library system in a variety of ways. There are hundreds of similar organizations all over the country. Our local Friends group is a member of the American Library Association's United for Libraries. Check out our regular newsletters to see what we've been up to.
advocacy
Through advocacy, we increase awareness of the needs of the Mobile Public Library among public officials and government bodies.
volunteering
Our volunteer activities raise funds and provide assistance to increase and improve the resources and services of the Mobile Public Library.
public information
Our public information efforts inform the general public about Friends’ programs and activities, as well as facilities and services of the Mobile Public Library system.
Benefits of Membership
Joining The Friends of the Mobile Public Library is a great way to support the Library.
Since The Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, memberships are tax deductible.
- Subscription to the FOL newsletter
- Admission to our Annual Meeting, where a Southern author speaks to members, autographs books, and visits during an informal reception
- Opportunity to preview our annual used book sale, including presale privileges
- Advance notices of other special FOL events
- Opportunities to explore special interests, meet authors and plan programs
how we help the library
For the benefit of the Mobile Public Library and the Community, The Friends have provided funding or support for the following:
Summer Reading
Reference Databases
Events
Library Staff Programs
The Friends of the Library Book Sale
Each spring, we sponsor a used book sale, featuring thousands of volumes and audio-visual materials donated by individuals and discarded from the library collections.
Attendance
Volunteers
of Sale Space
Materials donated to the library are sorted by library staff and evaluated to see if they will enhance the current library collection or can replace a worn or old copy of an item the library already owns. Any items worn, torn, water-damaged, mildewed or in generally bad condition, due to age or wear and tear, are discarded. Items that are not discarded or added to the library collection are sold at the annual Friends of the Library book sale.
Ways of supporting
The Friends of the Mobile Public Library is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We administer endowments and gifts and provide funds to help cover the rising costs of library materials and the increasing demand for services, programs and technology.
- Estate Gifts
- Planned Giving
- Gifts of Money
- Securities
- Property & Real Estate
- Charitable Trusts
- Bequests
- Insurance Policies