The mission of the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library is to place more books and library materials in more hands: to make the widest possible range of these materials available to the entire population of the community for its knowledge and delight.

The organization strives to foster a partnership between the Friends of the Library and: the Tompkins County Public Library, other public libraries and library systems serving the county, and the community in order to advocate for and support quality library services for all.

Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library

Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library, founded in 1946, is a not-for-profit organization for people interested in books and libraries. The purpose is to stimulate public interest in the library, purchase library materials, and support other cultural and educational programs in Tompkins County. (See a list of the officers and the Board of Directors.)

Membership

Our membership includes hundreds of people who wish to support reading in our communities. Some are active in the booksale, working during the year to sort the community donations or volunteering during the sale. Many do not have the time or inclination, or are otherwise unable to participate physically. All are an important part of our mission.

If you are interested in joining the Friends of the Library, either as a silent supporter or an active participant in our varied activities, please see the Membership page in the top menu bar. Applications are also available at the booksale site during book donation hours, and at the library.

Use of Money

After meeting Book Sale expenses, we give money to the Tompkins County Public Library and Finger Lakes Library System. We also give money to not-for-profits in Tompkins County for reading-related materials and give educational grants to residents of Tompkins County who volunteer in their high school libraries or are pursuing a library degree.

The Friends has a special Endowment Fund designed to provide an opportunity for tax-exempt public libraries or “reading rooms” in the district covered by the Finger Lakes Library System that serve residents of Tompkins County to obtain funds for Special Projects.

Learn more about our various Grants programs here.

Officers

Executive Board positions are elected at the November Annual Meeting. These positions include the President, both Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. All other positions are appointed by the Executive Committee.

President

Betta Hedlund

1st VP (Membership)

Sharon Woloszyn

2nd VP (Book Sale)

Beryl Barr

Treasurer

Larry Denison

Assistant Treasurer

Jack Lowe

Secretary

Alice Linton