Menlo Park Friends of the Library

Overview
The Menlo Park Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Menlo Park Library in California. Established over sixty years ago, this organization plays a vital role in enhancing library services and fostering community engagement through various programs and initiatives.

Mission
The primary mission of the Menlo Park Friends of the Library is to raise funds to support library operations and community programs. The organization accomplishes this mainly through the sale of donated books and other media, as well as monetary contributions from community members.

Activities and Programs
The organization is involved in a variety of activities, including:

• Book Sales: Regularly scheduled book sales provide the community with access to a wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs, and other items at affordable prices, typically ranging from $1 to $2. These sales contribute significantly to fundraising efforts for the library.

• Bookstore: The Friends operate a bookstore that is open during library hours, offering a constantly replenished selection of items for sale to the public.

• Volunteer Opportunities: The organization actively seeks volunteers to assist with events and daily operations, ensuring that community members can contribute to their local library’s success.

• Community Engagement: The Friends of the Library also engages with the community by providing free books in the library courtyard, hosting events, and promoting literacy and access to information.

Recognition
The efforts of the Menlo Park Friends of the Library have been recognized through proclamations from the City of Menlo Park, acknowledging their positive impact on the community and the library’s services.

Conclusion
As a longstanding fixture in the Menlo Park community, the Menlo Park Friends of the Library exemplifies the important role that nonprofit organizations play in supporting public libraries. Their initiatives not only enhance library services but also foster a culture of reading and community involvement among residents.

[1] https://friendsmpl.org [2] https://inmenlo.com/2025/03/18/friends-of-menlo-park-library-book-sales-set-for-march-21-and-22/ [3] https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Library-and-Community-Services/Library/About-the-library/Donations-and-volunteer-opportunities [4] https://app.candid.org/profile/8430036 [5] https://www.instagram.com/menloparklibrary/p/C8xj1cZMq3Y/