The Friends of the Library works to make the
Tuscaloosa Public Library a resource for the enrichment and enlightenment for our
community. One of the most visible ways we do that is through our financial support
of the Library. In the past five years the Friends have contributed nearly $300,000
to the library. Some of the items purchased include an 8-passenger van, a riding
lawnmower, and a significant contribution toward the new bookmobile. Every year the
Friends contribute at least $20,000 for books, and also pay for continuing
education opportunities for the staff.
The major source revenue for the Friends of the
Library is its bookstore. However, membership dues and gifts given in memory or in
honor of special people are significant sources of income.
Members
We are very grateful to those who show their support of the Friends of the
Library by making financial contributions. These gifts constitute membership in the
organization and are given either as gifts in honor or memory of someone or as
annual membership dues:
Adult $10
Family $20
Contributing $25
Sustaining $50
Patron $100
Benefactor $250
Corporate $500
Other activities
The FOL publishes a newsletter three times a year which is distributed to
members. An annual meeting of all members is held the second Tuesday in
October.
Won’t you join us as we support our public library by:
- Sending a check payable to Friends of the Library for membership dues,
honoria, or memorials to:
Friends of the Tuscaloosa Public Library
1801 Jack Warner Parkway
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Checks may also be dropped off at the
bookstore
- Calling Janet Richards at 205-345-5820 ext. 1150 to volunteer
- Stopping by the bookstore to browse and shop
- Donating books or current magazines
Friends of the Library Bookstore
Recycling Tuscaloosa one book at a time
The primary project of the Friends of the Library is its bookstore. What began
as a once-a month garage sale of donated books, has evolved into an impressive,
well-stocked used bookstore which offers an ever-varying assortment of fiction,
non-fiction, magazines, CDs, DVDs, videos, and records.
The bookstore’s all-volunteer staff receives donations from individuals
and estates and sells the donated items. The spacious bookstore has evolved into
Tuscaloosa’s best source for recycling great books and magazines.
Most books sell for $2 and magazines 25¢ (a detailed price list is posted
throughout the store).
Please feel free to stop by and browse.
Bookstore Hours
| Monday-Thursday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Friday | Noon – 4 pm |
| 1st & 3rd Saturday | 9 am – 2 pm |
The bookstore observes the same holiday closings as Tuscaloosa Public Library.
In addition, the bookstore generally takes a long holiday from Christmas Eve
through New Year’s Day to give our volunteers a well-deserved break.
$20 Stuff-a-Sack
On the first Saturday of each month a special sale is held: a
grocery-sized sack of books sells for only $20.
Donations
We are always looking for more cookbooks, history, classics, art, biography,
mystery, current fiction, and children’s books. Donations of recent magazines
(less than 3 years old), CDs, DVD, videos, books-on-tape, and records are
gratefully accepted. A book drop is located by the bookstore entrance for
after-hours donations.
We are unable to accept donations of old textbooks, news magazines, and
catalogs.
Kate Webb Ragsdale Author Series
Donations to support the Kate Webb Ragsdale Author Series at the Tuscaloosa Public Library may be made in any amount. Make checks payable to the Tuscaloosa Public Library, KWRAS, and drop off or mail to Tuscaloosa Public Library, 1801 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa AL 35401.
Volunteers
Our bookstore is staffed entirely by volunteers. If you like books and like to
talk to people who like books, we may have a job for you. Call Janet Richards at 205-345-5820 ext. 1150 and tell her of your interest in becoming a volunteer.
Location
The bookstore is located on left corner behind Tuscaloosa Public Library.
Bookstore Phone Number
345–5820 ext. 1150
Bookstore Manager
Calvin Jones