First and foremost, Friends are booksellers extraordinaire. The first book sale was held in the parking lot of the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in 1985. The sale has grown into an annual event greatly anticipated by thousands of people in the community.Through the years, sales have raised close to $750,000, funds which benefit the nine branches and bookmobile of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

The spring book sale is scheduled for April 28 - May 3, 2009.

Wee Read

Wee Read, funded by the Friends, promotes the importance of reading to infants and preschoolers by providing books to the families of children enrolled in area Parents As Teachers programs.

Gift Shops

Friends volunteer their time as Between Friends gift shop assistants at the Library Station and the Library Center. The shops feature book- and library-related merchandise, local artwork and crafts and quality pre-read books selected by the Friends. Proceeds from the shops benefit the Library.

How You Benefit

Friends gain great satisfaction from helping the Library, but they also reap rewards as patrons. Friendships develop as members share camaraderie and fun activities and bond over their mutual love of books and reading. Your membership entitiles you to:

• 10% off all non-discounted books at Walden Books in the Battlefield Mall
• 10%off all items in the Between Friends Gift Shops
• A Preview Sale during the annual book sale allows you first access to thousands of books.

JOIN Friends of the Library

Modest yearly dues from members help support the organization. All additional contributions are placed into the Friends Grant Fund. Contributions are used to buy books, computers, equipment and vehicles, for capital projects and to fund the summer reading programs for children and teens.

The time you give is as important as monetary donations. Friends are indispensable to the operation of the book sales. Volunteers also help out at other Library events.

For more information, or to join the Friends of the Library, download, print, complete and mail the membership form (pdf). Or, send your name, address, phone number, city, state, zip code with a check or money order to:

Friends of the Library Membership
P.O. Box 760
Springfield, MO 65801-0760

Please indicate your library preference: Ash Grove, Brentwood, Fair Grove, the Library Center, the Library Station, Midtown Carnegie, Park Central, Republic, Strafford, Willard or the Bookmobile and the areas and activities you are interested in: annual book sale, mailings, mini book sales, telephoning, refreshments, publications or Wee Read.