Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library members and volunteers are devoted supporters of the Library who help fund enriching, exciting library programs and services while sharing their love of books. The Friends foster a positive relationship between the Library and citizens, with the goal of building a lively library and a vibrant community.

For more information about:

Joining Friends of the Library, call Sarah Hitesman, 417-888-3077.
Volunteering at book sales, email Pat Mithelavage, patmbb@gmail.com or call 417-840-5281
Other book sale questions, call Bill Kastler, 417-850-1999
Email questions to friends@thelibrary.org

The Friends of the Library was recognized as the 2019 Non-Profit Organization of the Year (Small Division) presented at the Southwest Missouri Non-Profit Excellence Awards sponsored by BKD. The Friends of the Library was also named 2010 "Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the Year" by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ozarks Region.

Book Sales

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. The book sales have raised more than $4 million, funds which benefit the ten branches and bookmobile of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

The Spring Book Sale is April 30-May 4, 2025.

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.

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 entities you to:

10% off all items in the Between Friends Gift Shops
A Preview Sale during the spring and fall book sales allows you first access to thousands of books.

JOIN Friends of the Library

Modest yearly dues from members help support the organization. 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, email address, phone number, city, state, zip code with a check or money order to:

Friends of the Library Membership

4653 S. Campbell Ave.

Springfield, MO 65810