Who exactly are The Friends?
The Friends are mostly Corona residents interested in creating a better, more fulfilling Library experience for visitors. We are a group of several hundred who have contributed either money or time or both to this cause. We have fun and feel good about ourselves at the same time. We are always looking for new members of any age or background. Call or email us for more information.
How do The Friends raise money?
We have various methods but our main source of funding comes from sales in our BookShop. Last year we topped over $100,000.00 from resale of donated materials, like books or videos. It was our best year ever! We also sponsor various Library events throughout the year such as speaking engagements from well-known authors. And, we have several specific programs designed to contribute to special Library needs. Our Adopt-a-Book program allows private individuals to donate a book to the permanent Library collection. More about this program click here.
What building enhancements have The Friends donated to the Library?
You can visit many of the Friends' gifts by taking the self-guided ArtWalk tour. Pick up a brochure in the BookShop. The tour visits many of the custom artworks the Friends have commissioned and donated over the years such as the Children's Room California Environment murals. More about these projects, click here.
Where does all this money go?
You can see a detailed listing of Friends' contributions to various Library programs by clicking here.
What's in it for me if I become a member?
1. The satisfaction of contributing to your community. (And, a nice tax-deduction, too!)
2. 10% off the already super low prices in the BookShop. 50% off on 1st Saturday of each month. (As well as specials of even greater discounts.)
3. The Quarterly Newsletter, a four times-a-year publication noting all types of Friends' news, information about the bookworld in general, book reviews, games, pictures, and other interesting tid-bits you don't want to miss.
4. Opportunity to engage with other like-minded book lovers by joining a committee, volunteering in the BookShop or at an event, organizing a project, or writing for the Newsletter.
I don't have a lot of time to volunteer on a regular basis - how else can I help?
Many people in our group volunteer on an as-needed basis. You don't have to commit a huge chunk of time or effort. We welcome even the smallest contribution. You can donate materials (books, videos, or audio tapes) to the BookShop for resale. More about How to Donate click here.
You can attend Friends events. Please check Our Calendar by clicking here.
Contribute a feature article, book or movie review, poem, or other interesting news piece for our Newsletter. (Subject to Editor review. Read some of our archived Newsletters by clicking here.
Call the Friends Office or email us with your interests or special talents - you never know, we may just be hoping to find someone just like you! Email us by clicking here.