Friends of the Library

Who are Friends of the Library?
Friends of the Library organizations are separate nonprofit organizations from the library and are made up of caring, involved people of all ages who support a strong public library system for the benefit of the community. Friends enrich the library in many ways including:

• • • Friends volunteer in libraries helping with many important tasks and projects.
    • Friends focus public attention on library services and advocate for libraries to get the support they need.
    • Friends sponsor programs and cultural activities to involve the community in the library.
    • Friends enhance the library by donating important items or by funding programs that are not in the library's budget.
    • Most Friends organizations hold book sales to raise money for the library and have membership fees.

How can I become a Friend?
Contact the branch near you that has a Friends group. Membership fees vary from group to group. If there is not a Friends group at your branch, contact the branch manager and let him or her know of your interest or call the Volunteer Services Manager at 404-613-0124. We will get you information on how to form a group and help you find others who share your interest.

All Friends organizations are separate nonprofit organizations that raise awareness and funds for library programs and supplies. Contact the branch manager or call the Volunteer Services Manager at 404-613-0124 to leave your information for the Friends group leader and we will have them contact you directly about membership. Most Friends groups meet monthly and have scheduled book sales or ongoing book store hours and a few have their own websites. THANK YOU to these amazing volunteers.

• • Adams Park Branch- Sales (since 2001)
  • Adamsville/Collier Heights Branch- Sales (since 2001)
  • Friends of the Alpharetta Library- Sales, Store (since 1980)
  • Buckhead Branch- Sales, Shelves (since 1929)
  • Cascade Branch- Store (since 2024)
  • Cleveland Avenue Branch (since 2023)
  • Friends of the East Atlanta Library- Shelves (since 2004)
  • East Point Branch- Store (since 1994)
  • Friends of the East Roswell Library- Sales, Store (since 2013)
  • Fairburn Branch- Store (since 2019)
  • Friends of the Library in Kirkwood (since 2023)
  • Friends of the Milton Library- Sales, Store (since 2013)
  • Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library- Sales, Store (since 1998)
  • Northside Branch- Sales, Store (since 1998)
  • Ocee Branch- Store (reopened 2024)
  • Palmetto Branch- Store (since 2014)
    Peachtree Branch- Store (since 2000)
    Friends of the Ponce de Leon Library- Sales, Store (since 2014)
    Friends of the Roswell Library- Sales, Store (since 1984)
    Friends of the Sandy Springs Library- Store (since 1985)
    South Fulton Branch- Store (since 2008)
  •  
  • Additional State and Federal Resources
  • Friends of the Georgia Libraries
    American Library Association 

Where can I donate books?
Friends groups accept book donations that are in good condition on a limited basis based on their storage capacity. Please contact the branch nearest you or the Volunteer Services Manager at 404-613-0124 and do not leave boxes outside the library. Please recycle magazines, VHS tapes, outdated textbooks, outdated technology books or books damaged by heat, mold or water. Please contact Better World Books regarding their donation drop box locations if you are unable to bring the book donations to the library or if the location nearest you is not accepting book donations at this time. 

• • Books MUST be gently used or in like new condition.
  • Delivered in small bags or boxes (not bigger than a standard paper box). 
  • NO heat, mold or water damaged items. 
  • Do not donate it, if you wouldn’t buy it. 
  • If you can’t lift it, our volunteers can’t either. 
  • Cannot be Advanced Readers Copies or Proofs from publishers.
  • If you do not have transportation, please consider American Kidney Services 866-766-1957 or https://www.akspickup.org/contactless-donation-pickup.html.

Alpharetta: midday when the bookstore is open; recent publications appreciated and NO encyclopedias, computer books or textbooks; cannot accept large donations.

Buckhead: during Library business hours; placed in designated donation bin in the lobby on the right next to two book return bins; NO magazines.

East Roswell: during Library business hours; placed in donations box in the Friends Bookstore; contact Liz at lizaschuetz@gmail.com re: large donations.

Fairburn: not at this time.

Milton: anytime in the book slot behind the Friends book barn; check https://www.miltonlibraryfriends.org/donate/ for up-to-date information and instructions on large donations.                                                                                                                                                                

Northeast/Spruill Oaks: during Library business hours; placed in any one of the four donation bins off the lobby; NO textbooks 5+ years old; contact Sue at scquinby@yahoo.com re: large donations.

Northside: Donate in the large lobby bins Mondays 10am-8pm. Donate to a Friends volunteer in the Bookstore from 2-3pm on the third Thursday of each month. Request an appointment or receipt by emailing folnorthside@gmail.com. NO encyclopedias, out of date textbooks/nonfiction or Reader’s Digest books.

Palmetto: only Children’s books; during Library business hours; contact friendspalmetto@gmail.com re: large donations.

Peachtree: not at this time.

Ponce de Leon:  accepts donations of gently used books and puzzles anytime the library is open.  There is a cart in the library’s front entrance for donations.

Sandy Springs: during Library business hours; contact Christine at ceheller@gmail.com re: large donations.

South Fulton: not at this time.