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 55 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.
Since 1971, the Friends of the Library have strived to achieve a singular goal: Aid the library by staying on the cutting edge of technology, services and programs that promote lifelong learning. Since then, the Friends have donated more than $2 million to the library.
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
Our mission is to support, promote, and enhance the Library’s operations, as well as to assist in the development of its community-focused services.
Volunteer with the Friends
The Friends organization offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, providing members with meaningful ways to support the library. Volunteers may assist as book sorters, help organize materials for the appropriate areas, or work at the Chandler Booktique serving customers. Other roles include listing books for online sale, preparing and shipping online orders, and cleaning and pricing donated items for the Booktique. Leadership opportunities are also available through service on the Friends Board.
For those who prefer occasional involvement rather than a regular weekly schedule, there are flexible opportunities to help during the Book and Media Sales. Volunteers can assist with setup, support operations during the sale, or help with cleanup once the event concludes.
Learn more about volunteering at the library.
