The all-volunteer Friends of the Durham Library, founded in 1968 and now boasting more than 1,250 members, has a long history of providing volunteer and financial support for library programs, services and equipment, funded primarily through book sales conducted three times each year. The Friends received statewide recognition with the 2005 Frances B. Reid Award "for outstanding service to their library and their community."
In 2005, the Friends surpassed the $500,000 mark in funds raised from its book sales, according to records kept since 1993. More than 20 volunteers work year-round sorting and organizing donated books, and dozens more staff the Spring, Summer and Fall Book Sales. With most of the books priced at 50 cents and $1, Friends volunteers may have sold upwards of a million items in reaching this milestone.
The Friends hold book sales three times a year at Main Library, offering books, videos and CDs donated to the library or taken out of library circulation. Many books are in gift-giving condition. Check the Library's programs page for the latest book sale dates. Book donations are welcome year-round; click here for more information about donating books.
Successful book sales and a growing membership of Friends generate income that supports annual and short-term needs of the library. In fact, the Friends donated $135,000 to establish the Friends of the Durham Library Youth Endowment and to support special programs and materials while the endowment grows. Most recently, the Friends matched all new donations to the Foundation's Annual Fund raising a total of $50,000 to support technology improvements at the Library.
Download:Membership Application (MS Word)
Download:Membership Application (pdf)
Youth (up to age 18) — $5.00
Senior (age 65 & up) — $10.00
Individual — $15.00
Family — $25.00
Sustaining — $50.00
Life — $300.00
Last update:
March 5, 2008