Friends, volunteers & gifts
Support the Alexandria Public Library
Three ways to give back to your library in Alexandria, Ohio: join the Friends of the Library, volunteer your time, or donate books, materials or funds.
· Source: alexandrialibrary.org
Quick answer
You can support Alexandria Public Library by joining the Friends of the Library (they plan programs, book sales and Beggar’s Night), by volunteering after completing an application, or by donating books, materials, gifts or funds. The Board of Trustees accepts and acknowledges gifts at each regular board meeting.
Friends of the Library
The Friends are a group of interested patrons who plan programs for the library. They meet in June to plan programs for the year, and the group helps with the book sales, Beggar’s Night and adult-based programming throughout the year. Anyone is welcome to become a volunteer and help with library activities. For more information, email Carrie or see any staff member.
Friends Member Form: the form linked on the current website no longer loads. Ask at the desk for a paper copy until it is re-posted.
Volunteering at the library
The library’s volunteer program is designed to expand and enhance public service to the community. Volunteers generally provide support services to paid staff or work on special projects — and they learn more about the library and see first-hand how it serves the community’s needs.
- Complete a volunteer application at the library.
- If volunteer opportunities exist, the director (or a designee) reviews applications and interviews appropriate candidates.
- Accepted volunteers are assigned tasks and a schedule, then trained and supervised.
Where appropriate, and at the sole discretion of the library, the library may also help local courts and social service agencies by providing community service or library work experience for individuals.
Donating to the library
The library welcomes contributions of book and non-book materials, gifts that enhance the library’s physical environment, and bequests, trusts or donations of money or other assets for library purposes.
- Materials and equipment accepted by the library become its sole property, managed as the director or designee deems appropriate.
- Gifts of miscellaneous books are accepted on the understanding that items not added to the collection may be disposed of; proceeds may fund library improvement or staff development.
- Gifts of a specific nature — works of art, furniture, equipment, special collections, real property — are referred to the director, who decides with the appropriate board committee.
- Donations of funds for a specific purpose must be approved by the board before the gift is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Friends of the Library do?
The Friends are a group of interested patrons who plan programs for the library. They meet in June to plan the year and help with book sales, Beggar’s Night and adult programming throughout the year.
How do I volunteer at Alexandria Public Library?
Complete a volunteer application. If opportunities exist, the director or a designee reviews applications, interviews candidates, assigns tasks, sets a schedule, and trains and supervises volunteers. Teens aged 13–18 can also join the Teen Volunteer Group.
Can the library appraise my donated books?
No. The library is unable to furnish appraisals of donated items and reserves the right to refuse any donation. Items not added to the collection may be disposed of at the library’s discretion.