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    Friends

    of the Mobile Public Library

    Advocacy 

    volunteering  

    Public Information

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.
It's easy too!
Memberships range from $30 for an Individual/family to $500 for a Partner.
Since The Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, memberships are tax deductible.

As a contributor, you will be recognized as a member and receive the following benefits:
  • 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
Learn How to Join

Are you a member who wants to keep updated on what's going on but has recently moved?

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

We underwrite the cost of a storyteller or entertainer to perform as part of the Library’s summer reading program for children. Also, many of our members volunteer to work with this program.

Reference Databases

We make it possible for The Mobile Public Library to provide a wide range of online reference databases. Whether you are seeking information from a Reference Librarian or doing research on your own, these databases are an invaluable tool for the modern public library and its users.

Materials

Special purchases of materials including eBooks, PBS video series, Compact discs, Audio Books, Health Books, and Large Print Books

Events

Produce special events including the Annual Membership Meeting featuring a Southern Author, Student Seminars and the Annual Writing Contest and the Annual Spring Luncheon fundraiser.

Library Staff Programs

Provide funds to support the Library’s Employee of the Year program, as well as the employee length-or-service recognition awards.

Bookmobile

Matched the grant funding needed to purchase the new bookmobile: The Sprinter Bookmobile.


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.

The 2019 Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held on the last full weekend in March at the Abba Shrine Center on 7701 Hitt Road, just off Schillinger Rd. The preview sale on Friday is for FOL members only and has a 50 item limit. $30 memberships will be available at the door on Friday.
  • Friday, March 22: 3PM - 7PM (preview sale)
  • Saturday, March 23: 9AM - 6PM
  • Sunday, March 24: 1PM - 6PM
4700+

Attendance

100+

Volunteers

20,000+

of Sale Space

DO YOU WANT TO HELP US WITH THE BOOK SALE?
During set-up in the week leading up to the sale, we need help loading and unloading boxes, and unpacking and sorting books. We also need volunteers on Saturday and Sunday of the sale to help the book buyers.


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.

We ask that you first see to the needs of your family, and then we willingly accept your generous, well-considered estate gifts. You may support The Friends of the Mobile Public Library with any of the following:
  • Estate Gifts
  • Planned Giving
  • Gifts of Money
  • Securities
  • Property & Real Estate
  • Charitable Trusts
  • Bequests
  • Insurance Policies

The Friends raises funds to supplement, not supplant, the Library's tax-based support. In creating an endowment, we build a long-term, stable funding opportunity.

Even though we may not receive your gift for many years, it is important to share your plans with us. We will have the opportunity to acknowledge your thoughtfulness and generosity. You also will have the assurance that your gift and its designated use are understood by the library administrators.

You can contribute to The Friends of the Mobile Public Library by clicking the donate button below, or by mailing a check (made out to Friends of the Mobile Public Library) to:
P.O. Box 222
Mobile, AL 36601-0222