How Friends Can Help

At the Abington Community Library

FRIENDS OF THE ABINGTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY

The Friends of the Abington Community Library (Friends of ACL), established in 1982, is a volunteer-based organization designed to support the library by fostering interest in books and reading, focusing attention on library services, encouraging gifts of books and collections, and presenting programs of interest to the community. Fundraisers enable the Friends to contribute to the library financially. Money raised by the Friends is used to purchase materials, equipment and facility upgrades not covered by the library’s budget.

Friends Membership
Membership fees for Friends of ACL are $10 for an individual, $15 for a family and are paid annually. Benefits of membership include free or discounted admission to special events, a preview of the group’s semi-annual used book sales, specific communications geared toward members only, and the knowledge that you’re helping to support a vital community asset.

Friends of the ACL are always looking for new volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer for the semi-annual book sale, help with programs or events, or participate on one of the committees, please let us know by calling 570.587.3440.

Friends of the Abington Community Library Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the group’s activities and makes allocation decisions based upon the Library’s needs. The Board is nominated and installed in April of every year. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, leave your name and contact information with someone at the Circulation Desk of the Library.

Semi-annual Used Book Sales

Friends of the ACL sponsors two book sales a year (Spring and Fall) at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, located at the corner of West Grove Street and the Morgan Highway. Thousands of books for all ages, audio-books, movies, CDs and more are available at low prices. The Abington Community Library-Teen Literature Committee sponsors a café featuring baked goods and beverages. Friends’ members may attend Preview Night the Friday before the sale. Members must be current with dues payments and are asked to assist with set-up before making purchases. If you’re not a member, you may join during Preview Night. Membership forms also are available at the Abington Community Library Circulation Desk. Check Library Events for Book Sale dates and contact the library if you have donations.

ANNUAL FUND DRIVE
Each fall, the Abington Community Library conducts an Annual Fund Drive to help raise the funds needed to continue to provide excellent service to its patrons and invest in improvements to the facility, equipment, and collections. Financial donations of any size help make that possible. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please bring or mail your check to the library. The Library address is Abington Community Library, 1200 West Grove Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Although the formal fund drive occurs in the fall, donations are accepted with appreciation throughout the year. Please let us know if we may add your name to future Annual Fund Drive mailings.

The Library also has an Endowment Fund, grown over the years through generous contributions by patrons and in memory of others. The director can talk to you about this option, a plan that will use your donation in many ways for years to come.

EMPLOYER SPONSORED MATCHING GIFTS
Many businesses in our area generously assist employees who wish to donate to their favorite non-profit organizations. Because the Abington Community Library is a 501(cc)(3) organization, it qualifies for matching gift programs. If you would like to make a financial contribution, ask your employer if a matching gift program is available prior to making your gift.

GIFT BOOKS FOR MEMORIALS, HONORARIUMS
Making a gift book donation is easy; simply complete a form available at the library. Your gift will be appreciated and enjoyed by many patrons for years to come. A bookplate will be inserted in the front of the book to acknowledge this special gesture. You may drop off or send a check to the Library with the following information: The name or names of the person being remembered. The name and address of who you want an acknowledgment of your donation sent to. How you want the gift acknowledged (who are the donors). Donating a book to the library is a great way to: celebrate the birth of a baby or honor someone who has passed away, welcome new neighbors or recognize a graduation or a career achievement, note a milestone, such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or bar/bat mitzvah. Monetary donations go into our general fund and allow us to provide excellent service to our patrons and invest in improvements to the facility, equipment and collections.

Thank you for your interest in the Abington Community Library. The Library exists in part because of the contributions given by the community. The Library is a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.