Ovitt Family Community Library  |  FOCL Blog  |  Newsletters  |  Membership  | Accomplishments | .Contact Us |

Who are the Friends of the Library?

The Friends of the Library are local residents or business members of the community who value public library service. They volunteer their time and talent to promote the use of the library, to assist the library staff and to raise funds to enhance the library services.

The Friends are a non-profit organization that started in 1973 and over the years has supported the Ovitt Family Community Library in a variety of ways. The Friends have donated books, audio/visual cleaning equipment and archival preservation and storage equipment. They have also supported the Summer Reading Programs for children and young adults. Click here to view the Friends of the Library Brochure.

The Friends mission is to support the Ovitt Family Community Library by:

• Fostering a closer relationship between the Library and the citizens of Ontario and its environs, and increasing support, both public and private.
   

• Serving as an advocacy organization for the Library in the community and with elected officials.
   

• Increasing awareness of the Library; sponsoring cultural and related programs for the community; and sponsoring volunteer service for the Library.
   

• Acquiring donations and raising funds to supplement the library's budget for special materials, programs, equipment, and services not funded through the regular library budget.
   

• Supporting the democratic ideals of the freedom to read and free access to materials and information as outlined in the American Library Associations' Library Bill of Rights.

The Friends generate and maintain a book sale area in the Library comprised of donated and withdrawn library materials for sale to the public. The Friends use the money earned from the sales to help pay for Library programs, sponsor special Library events and purchase equipment and other items needed by the Library. Click here to see some of the things we've accomplished.

The board is comprised of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and chairs of various standing committees. The Friends' Board of Directors holds a business meeting regularly, usually on the third Wednesday of each month at 3-5p.m. at the Main Library. These meetings are open to all, and the public is welcome to attend. An annual meeting is held in December each year. This is the time when Board members and chairs of the committees are voted on and approved by the general membership.

Donations of money, used or new books, videos, compact discs and the like are welcomed at all times. To donate funds, please contact the Friends. To donate used or new materials, bring your donations to the Main Library at 215 East "C" Street or Colony Branch Library at 3850 East Riverside Drive and drop them off. A receipt for your donation is available upon request. All donations to the Friends of Ovitt Family Community Library are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Guidelines for Donations
 

Please visit this link to view our contact information.