Who are the Friends of the Library groups?
Get to know our Friends-What do they do?
Friends of the Library groups are independent, non-profit organizations composed of volunteers who support local libraries. They raise funds, advocate for the library, sponsor reading programs, special events, and promote its services within the community. These groups are distinct from the library’s administration but work closely with its staff and board.
Because they are affiliated with the branch located in their community, they support programming and fill funding gaps, allowing libraries to offer enhanced services and resources not covered by municipal budgets. By becoming a member at your local Friends group you can help your library and community celebrate the value of our libraries. Have some extra time? Love books & reading? Sign up at your local Friends of the Library to volunteer.
For a list of Friends of the Library in San Diego County, click here. If you do not see a Friends group in or near your branch and wish to form one, contact us.
Each month the Library Friends of the San Diego County would like to celebrate one of our local Friends group to catch up with what they do for their local library. It is fun to see what other groups provide and events that are happening. Contact us here.
This month’s Spotlight is Descanso
Descanso has had a library since 1914 when members of the community petitioned the Board of Supervisors to establish a branch in the Oak Grove Store. They were our first Friends of the Library. The branch has moved from its first site in the store to the Tavern; to someone’s home; to a small library building across the street from Perkins Store; to its present location on River Road, all with the fundraising, support, and work of the Friends of the Descanso Library.
Today, the small library, once recognized in the Guiness Book of Records as the second smallest library in the world, is at the site of the current Descanso Library and is the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
Like most of the other branches we sponsor special events, yoga classes, and Summer Learning programs. We invite local officials to discuss issues that are relevant to our small rural community. Working with the other organizations in Descanso like the Garden Club and Town Hall, with Descanso School tutoring readers and purchasing books to add to their curricula, we also award scholarships to High School seniors and those continuing their education.
As the keeper of Descanso’s history we have hosted history tours, created a calendar featuring local rock houses, published 2 books, and maintained an archive for those interested in learning more about Descanso.
Mailing address:
Leslie Ward-Treasurer LFSDC
10800 Woodside Ave. Space 72, Santee, CA 92071