[1]
Columbia Public Library
100 W. Broadway, Columbia, Missouri
The Friends of the Columbia Public Library [1] is a group of people who share a belief that a strong public library is essential for a thriving community. We work together to enhance the public library’s collection and services for the benefit of all Columbia citizens.
In 2011, the Friends of the Columbia Public Library donated $89,000 to the Columbia Public Library. These funds are used to purchase new materials and for other special projects. For example, some of that donation covered some of the costs of the One Read [2] community-wide reading program, the summer reading program for kids and some new furniture.
The Friends of the Columbia Public Library raise money for the library by holding book sales. The all-volunteer group sorts through books and other materials donated by the public. Books in good condition that would enhance the library’s collection are added to the shelves.
The Friends also resell much of what is donated at sales [3] held every Wednesday and Saturday, special large sales held four times a year, and online [4]. Books that do not sell, but are in good shape, are donated to a number of local organizations.
Membership Brochure & Application [5] (PDF).
Volunteering
We hold smaller sales every Wednesday, every Saturday, and specially themed sales the first Wednesday of each month. We hold four large, two- or three-day sales during the year. With so many sales, we need many volunteers, and you can choose to work as many sales as you wish. It is not necessary to work every sale.
Donations
Bring your gently used hardback books, paperbacks, children’s books, videos, music CDs, audiobooks and DVDs (no magazines, please) to the Circulation Desk of the Columbia Public Library. For large donations, please call 443-3161 to make an appointment. Thank you for your support and donations throughout the years.
eBay Auctions
[4]The Friends of the Columbia Public Library sell some of the older and more collectible items on eBay®. The auctions can get pretty exciting, especially during the last few minutes. View all of the current items [4].
Contact Information
Friends of the Columbia Public Library
100 W. Broadway • P.O. Box 1267
Columbia, MO 65205-1267
(573) 817-7110
DBRLFriends@yahoo.com [6]