Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library helps support the library by raising money through selling used books. All of the books are donated and all of the workers are volunteers. 

• Initial processing of incoming donations
• Selling donated items online
• Operating the bookstore
• Sorting and boxing donations 
• Staffing auditorium book sales
• Board service

Are you interested in working with us? Apply here or contact the library volunteer coordinator at 507-328-2341.

Funds raised by Friends activities provide supplemental funding for various library programs and services, which could include:

• Materials for the library's collection
• All ages Summer Playlist program
• Open Books Reading Challenge
• Creativity supplies & refreshments for various events 
• Reader’s Services' homebound program and book group in a bag kits
• Rochester Reading Champions
• Seed Library
• Various online databases
• Volunteer management software
• Other special projects as needed

The Friends of the Rochester Public Library supports various community and outreach projects.

Read with Me

The Read with Me program is an updated version of the Book Bags for Babies program which started in 1989. 

The mother of each baby born in Rochester at Methodist and Olmsted Hospitals is presented with a Baby Reader and information about the Rochester Public Library. In addition, the Friends partners with the United Way of Southeast Minnesota to distribute information about the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program which sends one book per month to children in Olmsted County until their fifth birthday. There are approximately 3200 babies born each year in Olmsted County.

Mini-Libraries

Friends of the Library volunteers help supply inventory for local mini-libraries. 

Operation Paperback

The Friends participates in “Operation Paperback,” a program which sends gently-used books to American troops, veterans, and their families. Most soldiers ask for general fiction, science fiction, classics, westerns, thrillers, and military history. Many soldiers have written back to let us know they have received the books and how much they mean to them and their units. It is gratifying to know we are able to support these soldiers so far from home.

Supporting Literacy Activities in Area Schools

Used books are donated to area schools as needed.

WIT Fundraiser

The Friends of the Library supports our sister organization, the Rochester Public Library Foundation.

On September 26, 1949, the first meeting of the Friends of the Library was called to order.

The Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Mission

The Friends of the Rochester Public Library is a nonprofit organization of community people dedicated to strengthening the public library, promoting awareness and use of library services, building community and financial support, and encouraging volunteer involvement.

View our Bylaws

View our 2024 Friends Annual Report

View our 2025 Friends Annual Meeting

The Board consists of 10 - 20 members who are elected by the Friends membership for a three year term, for a limit of three terms. Members must then be off the board for at least one year before re-election. Elections take place at the Annual Meeting held in January.

Five of these members hold officer positions for a two-year term. They include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Bookstore Representative.

Board Meetings

Meetings are held monthly on the second Monday in the month.

Board Member Responsibilities

Members of the Board are expected to actively participate in Board meeting discussions and decisions related to policies, activities, the annual budget and financial reporting and oversight. Members are encouraged to participate in Friends fundraising functions, library events and to serve on at least one committee. Standing committees include the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, and Membership Committee. Other committees may exist as the Board deems necessary. Board members should represent and promote the purposes and activities of the Friends of the Rochester Public Library in a positive way to the community.