The Organization

The Friends of the Salado Public Library (FOSPL) is an organization created to support and be an advocate for the Salado Public Library. Organized in September of 2005 the FOSPL soon became a Texas non-profit corporation. The Friends received 501(c) (3) status under the IRS code in February of 2006. The constitution and by laws or the Friends identify three purposes for the organization:

·         To promote the development of the Salado Public Library

·         To receive and encourage gifts, endowments and grants and to administer these funds in support of the library

·         To focus public attention on and to encourage greater use of the resources and services of the library

The Membership

The membership of the FOSPL is open to any interested community member. There are no dues, and all community members and library patrons are welcome. Completing a simple application form, available at the library, is the only requirement for membership. Additionally, when individuals request a library card they are given an application for the Friends.  CLICK HERE for an application to join.

The Operation of the FOSPL

·         Bob Denton, President

·         Steven Ervin, Vice President & Fundraising

·         Betsy Tyson, Treasurer

·         Letta Meinen, Secretary

·         Luther Brewer, Chairperson Publicity Committee

·         Shelly Smith, Chairperson Program Committee

·         Jean Teal, Coordinator of the Backyard Bookshop

          Marsha McGuire, Library Director

FOSPL Activities

The Friends board has identified a number of goals/activities/efforts for 2008, some are stated below:

• Pursue grant/funding activities for the library

• Publish a FOSPL newsletter twice a year

• Increase membership in general and for adolescences in particular

• Conduct two book sales

• Operate Backyard Book Shop

• Participate in grounds maintenance days

• Assist with adult programs for the library; authors events, special celebration events, etc.

• Be available to assist the library as needed

Backyard Book Shop

A special project for the Friends is the operation of the Backyard Bookshop. In the spring of 2007 the Salado Public Library Board Trustees approved the renovation of the small building located behind the library.  Once renovations to the building are completed, mid-summer 2007, the Friends set up a used book shop.  The shop is known as the Backyard Book Shop. Proceeds from the sale of used books provide the Friends a source of revenue which is used to assist the library as needed.  Jean Teal is the co-coordinator of the Backyard Bookshop effort.

As mentioned above, membership in the Friends is open and free to community members and library patrons. We urge you to join, if you are not a member, and become active. If you are currently a member we encourage you to contact us and we can get you involved in this most worthwhile organization. It is a great opportunity to help your library and your community.