Friends of the Library is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was formed November 1,1971. Friends has more than 300 members and 150 volunteers.

Mission Statement

Friends supports the Cedar Rapids Public Library services and programs, promotes literacy through outreach programs that encourage and enhance reading throughout the community and conducts fundraising activities to assist with library and outreach projects.

Activities

Each year during the first weekend of November, Friends hosts a major fundraising event, the Annual Book Sale, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. More than 80,000 donated books of quality are available at affordable prices. Proceeds from this event plus membership contributions, corporate support, memorials and grants allow Friends to provide:

1. Cedar Rapids Public Library funding for equipment and programs,
2. Babies and Books hospital packets for parents of newborns,
3. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) distribution of paperback books to preschoolers,
4. Clifford the Big Red Dog appearances at library story hours, preschools and elementary schools,
5. America Reads support at area elementary schools,
6. Literacy Initiative help to service agencies such as Madge Phillips Center and the Free Medical Clinic, and
7. Books-by-Mail service for the homebound.

Join us in making good things happen!
Download a printable Friends application today.
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