Earlier this month, the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library presented a check for $56,750 to Oceanside Public Library. The check is a portion of $85,000 pledged by the Friends to the Library for 2021. The Friends, a non-profit all-volunteer organization, was founded in 1971 to raise funds to augment the Library’s budget.
The funds have been allocated for the purchase of books and other materials, and for programming expenses for adult, teen and children’s programs. The programming includes book clubs, Storytimes, the Summer Reading Programs, literacy tutoring for adults, and much more. When in-person services were suspended because of the pandemic, many of these programs became available online. The virtual programming continues and plans are being made to bring back in-person events as soon as possible.
Library Director Sherri Cosby was especially appreciative, saying, “The Friends’ fundraising has been greatly impacted by the pandemic.
They rose to the challenge by innovating new ways of reaching out to our community, and we are grateful for their creativity – and perseverance.”
Friends’ President Chris Wilson said, “We, in turn, thank our community for their generous response to our new fundraisers, including our Buy-the-Box Drive-Through book sales and first annual photography contest. When we created a new Friends membership category for Business Members, many business owners in Oceanside raised their hands, and continue to do so. The community’s ongoing support is invaluable.”
The mission of the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library is to support and promote the services and resources of the Oceanside Public Library through community involvement, volunteer activities, and fundraising. For information about the Friends, please visit oplfriends.org or call (760) 435-5560.
