ABOUT
FRIENDS of the LIBRARY
by Eva Betz and Cathe Olson
The Nipomo Library was started in 1915. It had a few shelves in a general store on Dana Street. The books collected by the Nipomo Women's Club.
The location changed numerous times over the years. In 1976, San Luis Obispo County arranged for a 600 square foot storefront in the Adobe Plaza to house the library.
In 1990, The Friends of the Nipomo Library (FONL) was formed to raise money for a larger library that would fulfill the needs of the growing community.
The first General Membership Meeting was held in October, 1990. Nonprofit incorporation was granted in April, 1991 and federal tax-exempt status was achieved in August, 1991.
The grant request for state funding was approved and the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors agreed to provide matching funds for a new building.
In September, 1991, a Capital Fund Raising Committee was formed and a plan set in motion.
The new Nipomo Library was dedicated in 1996 with Rosalyn Pierini as Librarian and Joanne Heath as the Assistant Librarian.
| WHY LIBRARY FRIENDS EXIST
The Friends of the Nipomo Library is an integral part of the library. The organization provides library volunteers, collects funds through membership dues and donations, organizes fundraisers such as: Open Air Market, Silent Auctions, Book Sales, Rummage Sales, and "local garden produce" sales. Libraries need Friends.
Friends of the Nipomo Library pledge $12,000 annually to the library, help fund the Children's Summer Reading Program, and provide additional items as needed by the librarian.
The long-range purpose of FONL is to see that the Library's Expansion Fund continues to grow, so that when the time comes to expand the library, sufficient funds will be available.
PURPOSES OF FONL - To encourage library use for reading pleasure, knowledge, and enrichment;
- To enlist and organize support for the library,
- To assist the librarian and staff whenever needed;
- To raise funds to provide items not included in the library budget;
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