The mission of the Friends of the Downingtown Library is to promote and support the programs and operations of the library through a variety of fundraisers, most notably the semi-annual book sales, as well as through community outreach. In 2025, the Friends contributed over $34,000 to the Downingtown Library.
Many patrons support us in our mission by becoming a Member of the Friends. Some do this simply by becoming a Member. Others do this by becoming more actively involved, attending meetings and helping at events. Either way, you can be one of the many who support the Downingtown Library.
Membership forms are available at the library’s front desk.
Another way is to click on the link below and download a copy of the membership form.
The Friends of the Downingtown Library presents a donation check to the library in March, 2024.
Spring Update – 2026
The Friends’ February meeting, after our two-month winter break, was attended by 26. Our numbers have grown, as new volunteers have joined the Friends.
The meeting summed up our Fall Book Sale with financial information and ideas for future sales. This latest Book Sale had a net profit of $17,950. As ever, the love of books invites great interest in our Sales. Crowds were considerable Friday evening and continued to be large the rest of the weekend. Thanks to the generous donations of Downingtown residents, the selection is large and varied. Books in gently-used condition, some nearly new, sold rapidly over the weekend and the following week and Bag Sale. The Sale was a huge success and demonstrates how precious a gift is holding a book in your hands.
President, Mary Beth Hudak’s agenda next covered planning for this Spring’s Book Sale. She and Michelle Wallin will continue as directors of this sale, which begins the weekend of April 24 – 26th, coinciding with Library Week. It will be followed by another week of Sales and end the following week with the Bag Sale. For two weeks prior to the Sale, books will be sorted, boxed, and stored in the shed. During the Fall Sale, we welcomed the offers of help from high schoolers. They and volunteers from Downingtown Strong provided much needed assistance leading up to and during the Sale weekend. A group of teens has already offered to help again at this next Sale. With regard to categories of books at the Sale, a decision was made to separate out and display science fiction and fantasy books, given the wide interest in this category.
A motion to purchase new lawn signs was discussed and approved by vote.
Celebrations of the Library’s 150th Anniversary have begun. It was noted that the logo and banner are striking and add distinction to the Library’s events. In honor of the Anniversary, the Friends were the first of numerous groups scheduled to present within the Library a display of what we are about. The display was recognized as professional and eye-catching.
A newly formed liaison between the Friends and the Library Board’s Outreach Committee serves to increase communication between the two groups. In the Fall, the Friends were able to set aside children’s books to be given away at Outreach events, such as Downingtown’s Fall Fest. This was well received. This Spring, we will additionally try to set aside some chapter books, young adult books, etc. for these giveaways.
The Friends are geared up for a busy season, and we’re pleased to have our new volunteers join us in these rewarding endeavors.