Who We Are
We are an independent, volunteer, not-for-profit organization that was re-founded in 1986 as part of the library’s 25th anniversary celebration. Our purpose is to support the many services and programs offered by the library and to promote the library’s presence in the community. We do this through communication, as well as fundraising activities that include, but are not limited to, book sales and an annual charity golf tournament. The Friends of the Gates Public Library is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.
2023 Book Sale Dates:
May 11 – 13
November 16 – 18
Read the Friends Annual Report
What We Do
By becoming and remaining a member of the Friends of the Gates Public Library, you will be helping us:
- Raise funds for the library programs, events, and resources.
- Sponsor the Junior Friends.
- Advocate for the library at local, state, and national levels.
- Be a part of library planning.
- Support programs for children, teens, and adults including:
- Summer reading programs
- Story times
- Travelogues
- And more!
As a member, you’ll also be able to
- Receive our event notices and email blasts.
- Attend members-only book sale events on special dates.
- Participate in volunteer opportunities.
- Know you’re supporting an important part of the community, the library!
- Receive a tax deduction on all donations you make.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends of the Gates Public Library or you’d like to renew your membership, please complete our paper Membership Form and return it to the Gates Public Library, attn: Friends of the Gates Public Library, Membership. You may find printed Membership Forms at the circulation desk at the Gates Public Library and near our bookstore.
Book Store
We invite you to visit our Sam & Doris Palma Memorial Book Store located in the atrium of the Gates Public Library. Our selection includes gently used books and more! All proceeds benefit the Gates Public Library.
Book Sales
Stock up on books for yourself to enjoy or share them with friends and loved ones!
Friends’ book sales are held in the Gates Public Library atrium for three (3) days, several times per year.
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. All proceeds benefit the Gates Public Library.
Become a member of the Friends to attend members-only book sale events on special dates.
Donations
Due to limited storage space and staff/volunteer time, the library is only able to accept new or gently used materials. The library accepts no more than 2 small bags of donations from any donor. We prefer books published in the last 10 years, in nearly new condition, but will take older books in nearly new condition.
When in doubt: “If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, please don’t give it to your library.”
The Library accepts:
- Hardcover and paperback books
- Discarded books from other libraries
- Magazines
- DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks on CD
- LP Records & Vinyl Records
- Games and puzzles
Tax receipts are available upon request.
The Library CANNOT accept:
- Any materials that are musty, dusty, dirty, water-damaged, highlighted, stained, or in poor condition
- Encyclopedias
- Textbooks
- VHS tapes, cassettes
- Computers, printers, or software
The Monroe County Ecopark offers a recycling program for Soft & Hardcover books. Softcover books ARE accepted for recycling curbside and at the ecopark. Hardcover books are NOT recyclable curbside but ARE accepted at the ecopark during regular collections. To recycle hardcover books curbside, cut pages out of the binding.
Without your quality donations, we could not stock the bookstore or book sales with salable items. Sometimes your donations will be added to our library’s shelves if the librarians can use your books to augment the library’s collections. So thank you for thinking about the Friends of Gates Public Library when you wish to downsize your print or non-print materials!
Volunteer with the Friends
The Friends of the Gates Public Library are able to sustain their fundraising activities thanks to the many volunteers who donate their time. We can use your help, whether you looking to volunteer weekly, or only have a few hours to give here and there. Some of the volunteer opportunities include sorting donated books, stocking the bookstore, and planning and staffing the book sales.For more information on volunteer opportunities, please email books4gatesfriends@yahoo.com or attend one of the monthly Friends of the Gates Public Library meetings.
Like Us On Facebook
We invite you to “Like” us on Facebook so you can receive all of the up-to-date information we have to share. This includes upcoming events, news and publications, photos, information on how and where to donate (whether it be items for book sales or how to volunteer your time to our organization), and fun articles and tidbits we would like to share. Come “Like” us on Facebook!