About the Friends
About
About the Friends of the Library
Friends of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to establish closer relations between the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library and the people it serves; to aid, promote, develop and advance the operation of the library; and to support and cooperate with the library in developing community services.
Library enthusiasts established the Friends 50 years ago with the mission of getting a funding measure for a library expansion passed. They knocked on doors, talked at civic organizations and made phone calls to encourage a favorable vote. It passed and the building expansion was underway.
Funding for the organization comes from memberships and profits from three lines of business: Book sales, Booktique and online sales. Friends lines of business have evolved over the years because of the desire to provide more support to the library. The greatest support to the library is in making sure each donated book (or item) is marketed in the line of business that will generate the most profit.
Management of the organization is vested in the Board of Directors.
Our mission
The Friends is committed to serving the community by: providing quality, gently used items (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) at an economical price; providing one time only or ongoing volunteer opportunities in a comfortable environment; and, marketing items donated in a responsible manner that will generate the most for the library as the donor has intended.
Volunteer with the Friends
Within the Friends organization are several opportunities to volunteer. This is another way Friends members support their library. Examples of opportunities to be involved are to become a book sorter to distribute books to the appropriate area, work in the Booktique assisting customers, learn to list books to be sold online, learn to ship books purchased online, clean and price books going to the Booktique, or become a board member. If you want to be involved but do not want a regular weekly commitment, you can volunteer to help with a Book and Media Sale with set up, assisting during the sale, or tearing down when the sale is over. Learn more about volunteering at the library.
