FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

The Friends of the Library, a voluntary membership organization with nearly 750 members, recognizes that excellence in library services enhances the quality of life in our community.

Books Again Grand Opening Chartered in 1960, FOL continues to support the growth of the Pueblo City-County Library District and its energetic programs. FOL operates a used book store "Books Again", which opened in 2005, to fund library programs, including the award-winning summer reading program, reading and writing contests and a bookmark design contest, as well as other unique and popular library projects.

The Friends of the Library annual meeting is held each April to elect board members for the coming year, to present the projected annual budget, and to give an annual report of services and activities. In addition, there is a dinner and special entertainment.

Funds raised through membership fees and sales at the Books Again Used Bookstore are used for many extra special projects at the library and its branches. Library employees may submit requests for funding special projects by filling out the Request for Funding Proposal form, available at the Books Again, and returning it there. Consideration of these requests is done twice a year by the Project Selection Committee of the Friends of the Library.

Membership income makes the library even better

Auxiliary membership, $10; Individual, $15; Family, $20; Business, $30; Gold Card, $30; Benefactor, $100; and Patron Member, $500.

Click here for a membership form . Fill in requested information, print form and mail to Friends of the Pueblo City-County Library District, 622 S Union, Pueblo, Colorado 81004 or ask for a membership form at any library location.

Membership benefits:

Auxiliary Members: Receive 10% discount at Books Again and an e-mailed copy of News & Events, PCCL District's newsletter.

Individual/Family Members: Receive 10% discount at Books Again and mailed copy of News & Events.

Gold/Business Members: Receive 10% discount at Books Again, mailed copy of newsletter and a valuable premium.

Benefactor/Patron Members: Receive 20% discount at Books Again, mailed copy of newsletter and valuable premium.

All Members: Admittance to the Special One Day Preview Sale, for Members Only, before our huge Semi-Annual Books-by-the-Bag Sale held in May and October. Invitations to unique Friends’ programs and annual meeting program, including dinner and entertainment, and elected membership to the Friends of the Library Board of Directors.

Donating material to the Library and Bookstore

Books, videos, tapes, CDs, and DVDs may be donated for resale in Books Again. It is helpful if items are boxed. Unfortunately, worn out or soiled books, Readers Digest books, textbooks, old encyclopedias, and magazines are not saleable. Please do not include these in your donations. Gifts are tax deductible. If you have any questions about the usefulness of your gift, call 543-4688.

Accomplishments in 2008-2009

Informational kiosk

Here is a partial list of what the Friends of the Library accomplished since 2008:

  • The Project Selection Committee of the Friends awarded funds for: A plastic laminating machine for Community Relations, Audio/Visual System for the meeting room at Lamb Branch, Display cases for Hispanic Resources and a Video Camera and Monitor for the Circulation Desk at Rawlings Library. These projects totaled $20,248.
  • Provided an $8,000 informational kiosk for the Pueblo West Branch Library Expansion.
  • Provided $5,500 towards the printing and postage for News & Events, the PCCL District's newsletter that reached over 12,000 people and organizations last year.
  • Books Again,the FOL used book store, sold in 2008 over $88,000 worth of used books and 74% of these funds went to benefit the library district.

Magazine Rack Teen Central Informational Kiosk