Friends of the Orange County Public Library
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Who We Are
The Friends of the Orange County Public Library (FOCPL) is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 1981, the Friends is a group of people from all back-grounds, age groups and walks of life who share a common goal: lending active support to the Orange County Public Library's services and programming in whatever way they feel best able to contribute.
The Orange County Public Library includes a central facility in Hillsborough, a branch in Carrboro, and the Carrboro Cybrary. Each location is dedicated to serving the needs of Orange County’s diverse and expanding population. In Orange County, demand for library services is at an all-time high. However, state and county budgets cannot necessarily cover the growing expense of providing all the essential resources
What We Do
Through semiannual book sales, an ongoing book sale, a pavers campaign, and other fund raisers, the Friends raise money to fund services, technology, equipment, furniture, collection development and programs not covered by public appropriations. In 2010, the Friends gave $20,000 for the purchase of Kindle wireless reading devices, an LCD projector, a new laptop computer, and shelving panels.
The Friends also:
- Hold quarterly programs;
- Co-sponsor other author events;
- Advocate for patron and library needs (e.g., staffing, parking, library
hours); - Work with local government, community groups and local media to fully
integrate the libraries into the community.
Our Friends Board for 2013
| Bill Barrows | Coordinator, Spring and Fall Book Sales |
| Robin Bedingfield | Secretary |
| Marcia Cameron | Coordinator, Ongoing Book Sale |
| Janet L. Flowers | President |
| Sandy Gerstner | Treasurer |
| Chris Holaday | Coordinator, Spring and Fall Book Sales |
| Erin Hils Shepherd | Vice President and Membership Chair |
| Laura Simmons | Member, Ongoing Book Sale |
| Mark Smith | Treasurer-Elect |
| Lucinda Munger | Library Director, ex officio |
| Andrea Tullos | Assistant Library Director, ex officio |
If you have questions about FOCPL, please email us at focplnc@gmail.com.