About Us

The Friends are a non-profit group which was created in June 2001 to promote and support the goals, services and programs of the Fruitville Library for patrons of all ages throughout the east Sarasota County area. Library users have benefited enormously from the many service and educational enhancements made possible by the Friends support.

The Friends membership funds are used to provide adjunctive programs at the library. Many of the Friends are also volunteers who work at the library contributing many thousands of hours annually.

The Friends Bookstore is staffed by volunteers. Donated books are sold and the proceeds fund programs for youth, teens, and adults.

Many of the Friends and other volunteers help staff various library services, such as the reference center, computer assistance, sorting and shelving of new and returned books. Other volunteers maintain the award winning reading garden. Friends and volunteers also enjoy the pleasures of meeting many people of different ages, getting to know the library staff, and making new friends. As demand for library services continues to increase, local support for libraries is more important than ever – especially in the era of diminishing federal and state funding for libraries.

If you would like to learn more about our membership or volunteers you can click on Membership or Volunteers.