Thank You, Friends of the Library, for Everything You Do!

# Thank You for Being a Friend

At libraries throughout Jacksonville, dedicated volunteers work long hours to raise money through book sales, engage in advocacy, and plan pro-literacy events – all for the betterment of the Library and community. We call these volunteers and the groups they are a part of "Friends of the Library." These groups understand the critical importance of libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide an expansive collection and a wide variety of services to all ages.

During National Friends of Libraries Appreciation Week (October 19-25), we celebrate our amazing Friends and thank them for their passion and dedication to ensuring the Jacksonville Public Library remains a cornerstone of the community! 

Friends Book Sales in October

Proceeds from these book sales are used to enhance and support collections, programs, and other services at your library.

• Oct. 17-18: Book Sale with the Friends of the Mandarin Library
  • 3330 Kori Rd., Jacksonville
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18
  • $10 to fill a bag, $5 and under per individual item
• Oct. 21-25: Book Sale with the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library
  • 600 3rd St., Neptune Beach
  • Member Preview: 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21
  • Open to all: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, Oct. 22-25
• Oct. 23-25: Book Sale with the Friends of South Mandarin Library
  • 1215 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday - Friday, Oct. 23 & 24
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25
  • Fill a paper bag for $10, plastic bags $5, individual items $1 and up
• Oct. 23-25: The Big Bag Book Sale with the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library
  • 3435 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville
  • Members Preview: 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23
    • Fill a bag for $12 and get another bag free
  • Open to all: 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24
  • Open to all: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25
    • Members: Buy one get one (BOGO) bags of books for $15
    • Non-members: Buy two paper bags of books for $15, get a third bag free

See all upcoming book sales

Even More Fun with the Friends

Join us at one or more of these upcoming events to find out how the Friends support the Jacksonville Public Library every day:

• 12th Anniversary Celebration of the Friends of Brentwood Library
  • 3725 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville
  • Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18
• 4th Annual "Books & Bike Ride" with the Friends of Willow Branch Library & ZenCog
  • 2875 Park St., Jacksonville
  • 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 25 (watch for more announcements on Facebook)
  • Take a ride with the Friends through Riverside/Avondale
  • Tour Little Free Libraries and see Halloween decorations
  • Enjoy coffee and donuts and talk membership, volunteer opportunities
• "Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival" with the Friends of the Brentwood Library
  • 3725 N. Pearl St., Jacksonville
  • Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25
  • Three (3) $25 costume contest prizes
  • $100 Open Mic Storyteller Competition
  • Face painting, food, music, and more
• Friends of the Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library at "Murray Hill-O-Ween"
  • 918 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville
  • 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 25
  • Stop by the Friends table for treats, games and activities
  • Enjoy Halloween stories, crafts, and more inside the library

# Learn More About Our Friends

In addition to their financial support, these Friends Groups generously donate in-kind supplies and refreshments to support various youth and adult activities, lead and contribute to the landscaping and beautification projects, and sponsor pro-literacy events for the community, such as the annual James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival.