Friends of the Allen Public Library

Friends of the Allen Public Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the Allen Public Library by providing funds and programs that would not otherwise be possible.

If you'd like to support the Library, you can become a Friends member by filing an application card at the Library. Membership requires payment of dues for your preferred membership level.

Allen Library Endowment Fund
The Friends of the Allen Library Endowment Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, was created to increase the long-term financial strength of the library, enriching its capabilities and expanding its potential for the benefit of all Allen residents.

friends

What we do

The Friends support the Allen Public Library. Membership dues and donations help sponsor library programming such as:

  • Bach to Books: A free arts program for the community, presented in partnership with Allen Arts Alliance and Allen Public Library. Programs feature artists, writers and musicians. Check out a few past performances
  • ALLen Reads: Annual community project in which a book is chosen for the entire community to read and discuss. Activities include book discussion groups, an author visit, a movie, a play and other guest speakers.
  • Adult Summer Reading Club: Adults ages 18+ can read a book for a chance to win a prize. Prizes are usually gift cards to area businesses in the amount of $10-$20, but can vary by year.

VolunTeen Appreciation
Allen Public Library accepts an average of 100 teenage volunteers each summer to become VolunTeens - an indispensable part of our summer programming. VolunTeens assist with story times, summer programs and with our Summer Reading Clubs.

Friends of the Allen Library supports the VolunTeen program by sponsoring the End of Summer VolunTeen Party, an exciting evening of food, games and appreciation. In 2015, the Friends instituted a second sponsorship of the VolunTeens with the VolunTeen Appreciation party, and event which honors the 70 teenagers who volunteer during the school year, and gives special recognition to the graduating senior VolunTeens.

Summer VolunTeens resize

Book Sale

Located in the hall across from the Food for Thought Cafe, the Friends' book sale offers gently used books for all ages, magazines, DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs at bargain prices. Please review Allen Public Library's donation guidelines.

Also sponsored by the Friends:

  • E-Audiobooks
  • Library Staff Appreciation
  • Professional Staff Development
  • Teen Volunteer Scholarship

Bach to Books Past Performances