The Friends of the Library is a group of local citizens dedicated to the improvement of the Smiley Library.  The Friends chief activity is raising funds to augment the collections and services of the Library.  Most of the money raised is from the sale and auction of quality books that are donated by a generous public.

The Friends, in conjunction with the Library, sponsor the appearances of speakers and programs which are concerned with cultural issues, history, and literature.

Annual dues are important toward the achievement of goals and help fund Library projects.  Dues range from $5.00 to $1,000, but any amount is acceptable.  Members are offered discounts on books and Bookstore items.  See the bookstore price list on the auction page.  You may pickup a membership  envelope at the Bookstore in the basement of the library.

Volunteers are needed to work in the bookstore, to assist with the auctions and to help shelve books.  Volunteers also help with publicity, mailings, and with hospitality at meetings.  Call the Bookstore at 798-7685 for more information on volunteering.

An important program of The Friends of the Library is the Adult Literacy Program at A. K. Smiley Library.  If you wish to volunteer, are 18 years and older, and would like to provide one-on-one professional and confidential reading and writing to an adult learner, 18 years and older, or would like to support adult literacy through a financial donation, please contact the Volunteer Literacy Coordinators at literacy@akspl.org or phone Smiley Library at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 for further information.

In reviewing the first 30 years of the Friends of A.K. Smiley Public Library, “extraordinary” is the only word appropriate to describe my feelings. Those original charter members were all community leaders and veterans of a variety of organizational participation.  Their experience and enthusiasm lent spirit and results in forming the Friends organization in 1973. The Friends have supplemented Smiley’s collections, benefited staff morale, made special selections and research available to the patrons, and ask for nothing in return.

Larry E. Burgess
Library Director