Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan LibraryFriends of the Library Board Recruitment
Do you know someone who could be described as an energetic, dynamic individual looking for an opportunity to serve our community in a meaningful, positive way? Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is searching for people meeting that description to serve on the organization’s Board of Trustees.
Friends of the Library board members absolutely love the library and have a heart for volunteer leadership. Prospective board members often have previous experience serving on boards or committees and have some extra time to dedicated to this highly engaged organization. Board members serve three-year terms and enthusiastically network and advocate for the library throughout our community.
If this volunteer leadership opportunity sounds like it might be a good fit for you or someone you know, please take a look at the information packet and application: 2021 Friends of the Library Board Application.
To be considered, submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Friends of the Library
Our Mission Building awareness and resources to champion the vision of Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Who we are Friends of the Library is a nonprofit 501©(4) organization made up of everyday customers and advocates passionate about Columbus Metropolitan Library.
What we do We generate revenue to support Columbus Metropolitan Library, library programs, and future levy campaigns through membership dues, book sales, library cafes, and customer amenities.
We’re a destination Visit the Library Store and the Carnegie Gallery at Main Library in downtown Columbus. The Library Store offers a curated collection of gifts for library fans, including unique trinkets and gadgets, stationary, and used books. The Carnegie Gallery presents free art exhibits featuring work from both emerging and established central Ohio artists.
What we support Friends of the Library provides revenue-generating and value added amenities that support the library’s purpose and champion grassroots advocacy. The Friends are proud to support signature programs such as the Summer Reading Challenge, Homework Help, and Teen Read Week to name a few. We are always working towards our primary goal of supporting library levy campaigns which secure critical funding for the library.
Become a Friend Friends are advocates who love their library and can’t stop talking about all the it has to offer. They support Big Book Sales, the Library Store, and library cafes, and attend Carnegie Gallery receptions and author talks. Friends are library champions who actively support Columbus Metropolitan Library.
PBJ & Jazz
PBJ & Jazz Summer Concert Series
Join Friends of the Library for the PBJ & Jazz 2020 Summer Concert Series.
Check out our events page for more details.
PBJ & Jazz concerts are 1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families. Featuring some of Columbus’ finest musicians and ensembles, PBJ & Jazz concerts are hosted by former Columbus Music Hall owner and retired music educator Rebecca Ogden and are a great introduction to live music for the youngest audience member.
Summer PBJ & Jazz concerts at the Topiary Park are presented by the Jazz Arts Group in partnership with Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Friends of the Topiary Park, and the Jennifer Michel Keefer Memorial Fund at The Columbus Foundation.
Big Book Sale
Shop the Big Book Sale
Twice per year, our Big Book Sale is our signature way of providing you with regular opportunities to buy gently used library materials while supporting your local library at the same time. We welcome Friends members with an advance preview, teachers adding to their classroom supply, and book lovers adding to their personal collections.
The next Big Book Sale is May 29 – 31 at Main Library. Friends of the Library are invited to shop the members only preview sale on May 28 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. They will also enjoy 10% off their purchase during the entire sale.
The sale will offer a variety of books, DVDs, and CDs. And, we’ve dedicated an entire room to Children’s books! Children’s books are $1, paperbacks are $2, hardcovers are $3, CDs are $2, and DVDs/Blu-Ray are $3; (unless otherwise priced).
Check out our details page for more Big Book Sale facts.
Not a Friends of the Library member? Join or renew today to get early access and receive 10% off Big Book Sale purchases.
Central Ohio Watercolor Society Annual Spring Show
Central Ohio Watercolor Society Annual Spring Show
Friends of the Library invite you to experience the Central Ohio Watercolor Society Annual Spring Show now on exhibit in the Carnegie Gallery at Main Library. Pieces from more than 20 society members are on display, showcasing the unique medium that is watercolor. Founded in 1964, the Central Ohio Watercolor Society is one of four transparent watercolor associations in the country. The exhibit is on view through May 1. Qualifying Friends of the Library members receive 10% off Carnegie Gallery purchases. Join or renew today.
The Last Flower by James Thurber and Art Unbound III
Exhibit on view at Main Library
November 1, 2019 – January 3, 2020
This exhibit showcases the original manuscript and drawings of James Thurber’s book The Last Flower.
Also featured is the third installment of Art Unbound, which invites Columbus-based artists to create original artworks from books donated to Friends of the Library. Art Unbound artists created works responding to the themes within Thurber’s The Last Flower.
Main Library
Carnegie Gallery, 2nd Floor, 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Opening Reception: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2-4 p.m.
Spring Big Book Sale
You’re invited to the Big Book Sale! The Big Book Sale takes place at Main Library in the Larry Black Auditorium and meeting room 1A on the first floor.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more!
PRE-SALE
Thursday, April 4
4:30 – 8:30 PM
Friends
of the Library members only
GENERAL SALE
Friday & Saturday, April 5-6
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CLEARANCE SALE
Sunday, April 7
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Friends of the Library members gain access to the pre-sale and receive a 10-20% discount on all purchases. Not yet a member? Join now to access the pre-sale and discount. You can also join at the door.
Friends of the Library accepts cash and credit card. Customers are strongly encouraged to bring their own bag to carry their purchases. We have a limited supply of plastic bags, but cannot guarantee bags will be available. Customers can purchase Friends of the Library tote bags for $3.50 at the sale. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Library Store Gift Card Sale
Shop the Library Store gift card sale! Buy a gift card for someone you love and get a gift card for you.
Find unique literary-themed gifts, learning toys for kids, used books, jewelry, artwork, home decor and so much more. Sales support Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Visit us today and happy holidays!
The Library Store is located on the first floor of Main Library at 96 South Grant Avenue in downtown Columbus.
LIBRARY STORE HOURS
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday closed (will be open 1-4 p.m. December 16th for the holidays)
Library Store will be closed on the following dates this holiday season:
Sunday, December 23
Monday, December 24
Tuesday, December 25
Sunday, December 30
Monday, December 31
Tuesday, January 1
Friend & Staff Appreciation at the Library Store
Shop the Library Store this holiday season for all of your gift giving needs. Find unique literary-themed gifts, learning toys for kids, used books, jewelry, artwork, home decor and so much more. Visit us today!
Friends of the Library members and library staff receive 25% off all purchases made November 28 – December 9, 2018. Not yet a member? Join now or at the store. Happy holidays!
The Library Store is located on the first floor of Main Library at 96 South Grant Avenue in downtown Columbus.
LIBRARY STORE HOURS
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday closed (will be open 1-4 p.m. December 2 – 16 for the holidays)
The Library Store will be closed on the following dates this holiday season:
Sunday, December 23
Monday, December 24
Tuesday, December 25
Sunday, December 30
Monday, December 31
Tuesday, January 1
Friends Seeking Board Applications
Do you know someone who could be described as an energetic, dynamic individual looking for an opportunity to serve our community in a meaningful, positive way? Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is searching for people meeting that description to serve on the organization’s Board of Trustees.
Friends of the Library board members absolutely love the library and have a heart for volunteer leadership. Prospective board members often have previous experience serving on boards or committees and this year, we’re particularly interested in hearing from candidates with online and retail store, membership strategy, marketing/creative/writing, contracts, employment, and budgeting/forecasting experience. Board members serve three-year-terms (donating an afternoon and evening each month in addition to special events), and enthusiastically network and advocate for the library throughout our community.
If this volunteer leadership opportunity sounds like it might be a good fit for you or someone you know, please take a look at the information packet and application: 2019 FOL Board Application. Return the completed form (along with any additional materials detailing your skills and experience) to the address or email provided.
To be considered, submissions must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, October 15, 2018. The nominating committee will begin reviewing applications soon thereafter.
