The Friends of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library celebrates its 40th birthday Sunday, April 17, and what an impact the organization has made!

Among its accomplishments:

  • $82,500 contribution to the library in 2010
  • $7,500/year in scholarships for staff pursuing their Masters in Library Science
  • More than $1 million in contributions since 1971
  • Started The Library Foundation
  • Helped get the bond initiative passed to build the new library, completed in 2001

“We look back while also looking forward, embracing the vision of a vibrant, generous organization capable of supporting the library for the next 40 years and beyond,” said Mary Campbell, Friends office manager.

The Friends 40th Anniversary Party will be Sunday, April 17 from 3-5pm in Marvin Auditorium. Below is a snapshot of what the organization does and how it benefits you. Come to the party to learn more. You can also call or email Mary Campbell, 785-580-4445 or mcampbell@tscpl.org.

The Friends of the Library supports the library by providing funding for programs, like summer reading which impacts more than 2,500 people per year. An arm of the organization called Friends of Art supports the purchases of fine art for the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery inside the library.

The Friends Annual Book Sale, smaller Bag Day book sales held throughout the year and an online bookstore ensure the community has plenty of books to read at a bargain of a price.

Memberships start at $20. Download, print and fill out this form today.

Benefits of membership include:

  • 10% discount on all books, CDs, DVDs, etc. (excluding gifts) at the Chandler Booktique all year.
  • FREE admission to the “Friends only” night of the annual Book Sale held at Ag Hall at the Kansas Expocentre. This will be September 16, 2011 from 6:00-9:00pm. You have the opportunity to preview and purchase before the sale is open to the public.
  • Invitations to the Friends Annual Meeting in November and the spring activity held in April.

TIMELINE

Mar. 25 1971 – Friends was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

Aug. 24, 1971 – A scale for membership fees was adopted.

Fall 1971 – The first Book Sale was held with proceeds to furnish a room in the new addition. Friends volunteers sort and price the donated books.

Fall 1978 – Friends members were invited to a presale the night before the Book Sale was opened to the public.

1982 – Friends Board established a trust fund from bequests and gifts which became the seed money for The Library Foundation.

1993 – Friends began operating a used bookstore.

June 2009 – Friends began an online bookstore using Amazon.com and Web-based sales was established.

May 2010 – Friends book sort operations were restructured to accommodate the three lines of business – Book Sale, Booktique and Web-based sales.