The purpose of the Friends shall be to:

• Bring together and maintain an organization of persons interested in books, libraries, facilities and needs;
• Promote public awareness and community support for the Arlington Public Library System and its educational activities;
• Encourage gifts and fund raising activities.

History

• 1983 – Steering Committee formed with eight members
• 1987 – First organizational meeting
• 1987 – First book and author luncheon
• 1988 – First book sale held as part of the library’s 65th anniversary celebration
• 1996 – Chosen Big Club of the Year by Arlington Star-Telegram
• 1987-2004 – Fund raising efforts have provided over $450,000 for the library.

 

During 2002-2003, the Friends raised $56,896 from book sales and book and author luncheons, plus several smaller activities. We have contributed funds to the library for its 80th Birthday Celebration, children's services and programs (including the Summer Reading Club) and computer hardware for a Children's Learning Center at the East Arlington Branch. Since its organization in 1987, the Friends fund raising efforts have resulted in more than $450,000 in gifts for the Arlington Public Library System.

Our fund raising projects have given library patrons benefits over and above those which the city budget is able to provide. Recent contributions include:

• Helping sponsor the library’s 80th birthday celebration in 2003.
• Providing computer hardware for a learning center at the East Branch library
• Assisting with Children’s Services and programs (including the Summer Reading Club)

We have helped raise community awareness of library needs and have become a nucleus of citizen advocacy for the Arlington Public Library System.

We continue to grow each year, with increasing membership numbers, larger income totals from the book sales and greater attendance at the book and author luncheons.

Return to the Friends Welcome Page