About Us

The Friends of the San Diego Central Library is a member-supported nonprofit organization that advocates, fundraises, and provides critical support for The Central Library and related literary and educational programs. We provide the community with opportunities to invest in the success of the Library as well as literary and education communities by donating funds or by donating time through volunteering.

Please contact the Friends to find out more:
Friends of the San Diego Central Library
330 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
Email: sdfocl@gmail.com
Phone: 619-238-6655

Board Of Directors

Rosemary Stark, Lynn Whitehouse
Interim Presidents

Vera Miller
Wangenheim Collection,
Harvey Rare Books

Lynn Whitehouse
Website & Facebook Editor

Rosemary Stark
Membership

Zoe Ghahremani
Author Events

Lindsey Salatka
Author Events

Mark Ciani
Member at Large:
Graphic Artist

Scott Ehrig-Burgess
Library Shop Manager

Jeffrey Milton
Bookstore Coordinator

Lisa Heinz
Online Sales

What We Do

[icon_column title=”Advocate” animation=”left-to-right” icon=”hb-moon-globe-3″]Central Friends sees the services and materials of the San Diego Central Library as an integral part of the San Diego educational system and as an essential component of the economic growth of our city, in particular East Village and downtown. Central Friends works with the Friends of San Diego Public Library at the local, state and national levels to raise awareness of the value of public libraries to a healthy and vibrant community, to promote reading and literacy for every age, and to make books and materials available to all. Advocacy during budget preparation is particularly important. Central Friends members are encouraged to appear and speak at public meetings to ensure that the Mayor and City Council are aware of the importance of providing adequate financial support for the San Diego Public Library.[/icon_column]

[icon_column title=”Ways To Advocate” animation=”left-to-right” icon=”hb-moon-reading”]Communicate directly with elected officials throughout the year to reinforce the Friends’ message. Share a positive experience about libraries with Friends through our contact information on our website or Facebook! Write a letter to the editor! Write to U-T San Diego supporting the New Central Public Library! Attend library Commission meetings in support of the library budget![/icon_column]

[icon_column title=”Support” animation=”right-to-left” icon=”icon-edit”]Each year, Friends turns books donated by generous members of the community into dollars of support for the Central library. Thousands of books are donated each year and are sold along with withdrawn library books at the Friends Book Store. These book sales are sustained by hours of volunteer work to sort and channel these materials for the best possible use. Volunteers also staff all book sales. Additional donations and membership dues are also important components of the financial support that Friends provide to the library system. Each year, Friends fund programs and equipment that are not covered by the library’s budget. Friends create a strong support network of advocates who stand up for the library.[/icon_column]

[icon_column title=”Donate Time” animation=”right-to-left” icon=”hb-moon-user-plus”]Volunteering is the bedrock of everything Friends is and does. Both short-term and year-round projects abound for volunteers interested in contributing to the vibrancy of our community, working with like-minded people, or learning something new. Join us and dedicate some of your special skills, experience, and enthusiasm to our work. Every volunteer hour is a statement of advocacy for libraries, books, and reading.[/icon_column]

[icon_column title=”Donate Gifts” animation=”right-to-left” icon=”hb-moon-user-plus”]Donations to Friends in the form of contributions, memorials, or bequests are a welcome support for the library. Donate your gift online via our online donation form Gifts may also be channeled through the Central Library Friends or the Friends of the San Diego Public Library. Larger donations may be directed through the San Diego Library Foundation. Your support will create a lasting impact on future generations when you include the library in your estate plans. A charitable, planned gift may be directed through your will or living trust. You can also make the library a beneficiary of your retirement plan. For more information on any of these options, contact the San Diego Library Foundation.[/icon_column]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/rare-book-room” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-file-check-2″ title=”Wangenheim Book Collection“]Supports the Hervey Rare Book Room and the Wagenheim Rare Book Collection, sponsors an annual speaker and fundraiser.

[/icon_feature][icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/visualarts” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-brain” title=” Art Gallery“]Supports the receptions for new openings.[/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/floor-directory” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”icon-calendar” title=”Central Library Departments.“]Purchases special items, equipment and materials that are not covered by the Library’s budget.[/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”http://sandiego.librarymarket.com/” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-reading” title=” Adult Programs“]Supports activities such as the concert series, local author reception, author and panel discussions, adult summer reading and movies.[/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/denny-sanford-childrens-library” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-reading” title=”Children’s Programs“]Brings children, books, and authors together through special events and programs at the Central Library. The Friends also sponsor the summer reading program.[/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/pauline-foster-teen-center” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-users-4″ title=” Teen Center“]There are many activities and things to do for the teens![/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/denny-sanford-childrens-library” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-brain” title=” Children’s Library“]Check out all of what the Children’s Library has to offer![/icon_feature]

[icon_feature link=”https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/idea-lab” animation=”bottom-to-top” icon=”hb-moon-lightning” title=” Technology“]Supports the 3D printing costs and supplies.Also Check out the Innovation Lab Central Friends rely on donated materials to generate financial support for the New Central Library.[/icon_feature]