What Friends Do:
Friends of the Library groups are hundreds of individuals who donate their time and expertise to support, promote, and raise awareness of their library. They do this through advocacy and through fundraising (usually book sales). Each Friends group works with the library’s staff to support its own branch, as well as the entire library system.
Friends groups exist to support, promote, increase patronage of, and augment the resources of their neighborhood library. They also provide needed funds for materials, equipment, programming, and beautification projects not funded by the library’s budget.
Because of financial help from our Friends, children, teens, seniors, and families in Fort Bend County have benefited from programs and services like these:
- Family Reading Club Winter Challenge
- Summer Reading Club
- Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
- Chinese Lantern Festival
- Earth Day Celebration
- Graphic-Novel Day
- Comic Book Day
- Youth DJ Dance Party
- Pizza and Movie Events
- Various Musical & Theatrical Performances
- International Coffee Hour
- Ice Cream Socials
- Various Continuing Education Programs
- Adult Programs
- Children & Family Programs
- And MUCH more!
In Fort Bend County, each branch library in the system has its own Friends group. To get specific information on each of them, choose your branch below:
Organized
The Friends were organized in 1994 to support the branch with extra funds for things not provided for in the county budget, and also to gain more recognition of the library in the community.
Officers
President - Suzie Holderfield
Co-Treasure - Barry Fisher
Co-Treasure - Marilyn McCarty
Contact for Information
Albert George Branch Library
281-238-2851
Donations
The Friends accept donations of any books as well as magazines, movies, puzzles, games, music, etc.
Book Sales
The Friends have an ongoing sale inside the library. They also hold a bigger sale, along with baked items, during the bi-annual city-wide garage sale in the Spring and Fall.
Prices
Hardback books: $1.00
Adult Paperback books: $.50
Children Paperback books: $.50
Magazines: $.10
Music, Movies, Puzzles priced based on condition and age.
How funds raised have been used
The funds are used for direct support of the summer programs by paying for performances, supplies, and in the past years, trophies. The Friends have also donated funds for a die-cut machine, a US and Texas flag for the meeting room, posters and bookmarks, Spanish language materials, items for the staff lounge and supporting the Staff Development Day held each year.
Volunteers
Rarely used for library activities
Organized
The Friends of the Fulshear Branch was organized in 1998 to support with extra funds for things not provided for in the county budget.
Officers
President - Allison Mayhugh
Vice President - Mary Vaeth
Treasurer - Marybeth Cray
Secretary - Cindy McLemore
Contact for Information
Fulshear Branch Library
346-481-6800
Donations
We accept donations of gently-used books and audiovisual materials. Items can be dropped off at the library during library hours.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale in the library. We also have special book sales intermittently throughout the year.
Prices
Hardback books: $1.00
Paperback books: $ .50
Children's Hardback: $1.00
Children's Paperback: $ .50
Vdeos (VHS): $ .50
DVDs, CDs: $1.00
How funds raised have been used
Over the years, the organization has purchased the marquee, funded the summer reading program, and funded supplies for programs. We have purchased a display case, two wooden CD cases, teen-area furniture and soft sculptures for the youth area. We also provided funding for staff conferences and Staff Development Day. We have purchased books and audiovisual items when requested to do so.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with the sorting and organizing of donated books and help with the book sales. Volunteers are needed to help with children’s activities, especially during the summer.
Brochure/Application
Friends Application
Organized
This group was originally formed as the Katy/Fort Bend Friends of the Library, to advocate for a branch library in the area. The organization was very instrumental in helping to bring library service to the community, first on a smaller scale, and finally, as a new library facility adequate for the community’s needs. When the Cinco Ranch Branch Library became a reality, the group adapted its name to that of the new library.
Officers
President - Debbie Moseley
Secretary - Carla Snawder
Treasurer - Jim Snawder
Contact for Information
Janna Raven, Branch Manager, Cinco Ranch Branch Library
281-633-4622 or email the Friends at friendsofcincoranchlib@gmail.com
Donations
We accept donations of gently-used adult and children’s books. Items can be dropped off at the library during library hours.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale in the library.
Prices
Adult Hardback books: $3.00 & up
Adult Paperback books: $0.50 & up
Children’s Hardback books $2.00 & up
Children’s Paperback Books $0.50 & up
How funds raised have been used
The organization provides extra funds for the Summer Reading Programs, Staff Development Day and conferences, as well as for other library needs not provided for in the county budget.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with the sorting and organizing of donated books and help with the book sales.
Organized
The Friends of the Library formed in August 1993, shortly after the library opened.
Mission Statement
The Friends of the Library (FOL) provide funding for various library functions and hold several book sales throughout the year. Donations received help to enhance the library’s collection, and support the library’s community outreach projects. Anyone can join, and we offer several opportunities for youth and adult groups.
Officers
President - Zsolt Wagner
Secretary - Paul Lott
Treasurer - Cindy Huang
Membership - Judi Johnson
Book Sale Chair - Marilyn Van Kleeck
Contact for Information
For more information, contact fcolib@yahoo.com
Donations
Donations from the community are much appreciated. The Friends accept the following items: Books, Audio CDs, LPs, DVDs, Blu-Ray and puzzles. We no longer accept cassettes and VHS tapes. We do not accept books that are damp, moldy, dirty or insect-ridden, general encyclopedias (World Books, Britannica, etc.), legal statutes and case books, or National Geographic and other magazines. Donations can be dropped off any time the library is open.
Book Sales
Bi-monthly book sales are held the first Saturday of the months of February, April, June, August, October and December (subject to change depending on holidays). Sale hours are 9 am to 2 pm on the Saturday of the sale.
We have an ongoing book sale located along the west wall of the library near the copy machines.
Prices
Hardback books: $1.00 (Some are slightly higher)
Paperback books: $.50 (Some are slightly higher)
DVDs: $1.00 (per disc)
CDs: $.50 (per disc)
How funds raised have been used
- Purchase of new audiovisual equipment for the meeting room
- Summer Reading Program presenters and prizes for the youth, teen and adult programs
- Children’s area wall displays, crafts, toys, and puppets
- Furnishing of the middle grade area in the library
- Library staff education and development to better serve patrons and the community
Volunteers
The Friends of First Colony Branch Library is composed entirely of volunteers who are committed to promoting and enhancing the library. No experience is needed to volunteer. More than 60 volunteers (adults and teens) help at various times during the year. Our active volunteer group is enlarged and strengthened by students from area high schools. Assignments range from unpacking/sorting book donations, pre-sale set-up, working at the sale (cashiers, customer assistance, greeter, and crowd control), and clean-up after the sale.
Organized
The Friends of the Fort Bend County Library was the first group of library friends to be organized in the county, in 1972. Its goal was to support the entire library system with extra funds for items not provided for in the county budget.
Officers
President - Lynne Hanrahan
Vice President - Sandra Hyman
Treasurer - Debbie Gibson
Secretary - Sue Connan
Book Sales Chairman - Sandra Hyman
Contact for Information
GMLibraryfriends@gmail.com
Donations
We accept all donations of gently-used books and audiovisual materials.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale located in the lobby of the library. Check it out for low prices on music, movies, CDs, books for children and teens, science fiction, travel, and art books, as well as fiction and non-fiction books.
Prices
Hardback Fiction: $1.50
Paperback Fiction: Priced as marked
Hardback Nonfiction: Priced as marked
Paperback Nonfiction: Priced as marked
Hardback Children's: $.75
Paperback Children's: $.50
Audiovisual: Priced as marked
How funds raised have been used
Over the years, the Friends have provided funding for the Summer Reading Program systemwide, special adult and children’s programs at George Memorial Library, funding for library staff development and continuing-education programs, and the large Christmas tree that was used at George Memorial for many years. We funded the Sunday Chamber Concerts for several years, as well as other music events and library exhibitions.
Brochure/Application
Friends Application
Organized
The Friends of the Mamie George Branch Library was formed in March 2000, with Randy Stubenrouch as the first President; the following May, a mailing was sent to people in the area asking for help with their library. More than 125 responses were received with money and promises of help. The group has been active ever since with donations and the selling of donated books, to meet the needs and beautification of the library they love so well.
Officers
President - Randy Stubenrouch
Treasurer -
Contact for Information
Mamie George Branch Library
281-238-2881
Donations
We accept gently-used books and audiovisual materials.
Book Sales
Mamie George Friends have an ongoing book sale. It may feature special sales in certain areas, depending on donations.
Prices
Hardback books: $1.00
Paperback books: $0.25
DVDs: $1.00 per disc
CDs: $0.25
How funds raised have been used
- Books, DVDs, reference materials additions when requested
- Library staff education and development
- Summer Reading Programs
- Landscaping, bench and signage for the library
Volunteers
The Friends come in most Mondays to sort and organize books for the ongoing book sale.
Organized
The organizational meeting of the Friends was held on November 10, 1993. Cheryl Knox was named the first president of the Friends of the Missouri City Library.
Mission Statement
We will promote the cause of the Missouri City Branch Library in the community.
Officers
President – Buddy Snyder
Secretary – Barbara Zack
Treasurer - Sharon Jones
Membership Chairman - Mary Ruth Smith
Contact for Information
For more information about the Friends of Fort Bend County Libraries, or to join the organization at 281-238-2100.
Donations
We accept all books in good-to-fair condition. Books may be left at the circulation desk during regular library hours. Please, no encyclopedias.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale in the library during regular library hours. We have at least two major book sales per year.
Prices
All items are individually priced.
How funds raised have been used
The organization provides extra funds for children, teens, and adults reading programs, Staff Development Day and conferences, as well as for another library needs not provided for in the county budget.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with the sorting and organizing of donated books and help with the book sales.
Brochure/Application
Friends Application
Organized
The Friends of the Sienna Branch was organized in 2010, to support the library by providing extra funds for things not provided for in the county budget.
Officers
President - Phil Zehe
Book Sale Vice President -
Secretary -
Treasurer - Vicki Simmons
Publicity - Barbara Zehe
Contact for Information
friendsofsiennalibrary@yahoo.com
Donations
We accept donations of gently-used books and audiovisual materials. Items can be dropped off at the library during library hours.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale in the library and quarterly sales in January, April, July and October.
Prices
All items are individually priced.
How funds raised have been used
The organization provides extra funds for the Summer Reading Programs, staff development and conferences, as well as for other library needs not provided for in the county budget.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with the sorting and organizing of donated books and help with the book sales.
Organized
The Friends of the Sugar Land Branch Library was organized in 2000.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Friends group is to promote the Sugar Land Branch Library by fundraising, educational activities and volunteer service.
Officers
President - Patricia Lilly
Treasurer - Marja Pate
Note: The Board currently consists of the officers and one member of the Friends Group.
Contact for Information
friendsofsugarlandlibrary@yahoo.com
Donations
We accept donation of hardback and paperback books in good condition including sets of books, DVDs, CDs and current magazines. Please do not donate anything damaged, dirty or musty. We also do not need videocassettes at this time.
Book Sales
We have an ongoing book sale wall in the library.
Prices
Book prices range from $ .25 to $2.00. Sets of books are individually priced.
How funds raised have been used
- Staff In-service training
- Holiday luncheons for the staff
- Host author visits
- Various requests made by the branch manager
Volunteers
We can always use volunteers to sort books and work on the display of sale items. Scheduling is flexible, there is no minimum requirement, and we are happy for any help. We would also welcome any members who are interested in serving on the board.
Organized
The Friends of the University Branch Library was organized in 2012.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Friends group is to provide volunteer services, educational activities, and books and other materials not covered by county funds to the University Branch Library and other branch libraries of Fort Bend County Libraries.
Officers
President: Roxy Tate
Vice President - Jane Braun
Treasurer: Ed Rubenstein
Secretary: Diane Todd
Contact for Information
ublfriendsgroup@gmail.com
Donations
We accept donations of hardback and paperback books in good condition, including sets of books, DVDs, and CDs. Please do not donate anything damaged, dirty or musty. We do not accept magazines of any kind.
Book Sales
We have quarterly book sales in the library.
Prices
Most books sell for $ .50 to $2.00. Some books may be individually priced.
How funds raised have been used
- Staff In-service training
- Host author visits
- Summer Reading Club programs
- Various requests made by the branch manager
Volunteers
We can always use volunteers to sort books and work on the display of sale items. Scheduling is flexible, there is no minimum requirement, and we are happy for any help. We would also welcome any members who are interested in serving on the board.