As a cornerstone of the community, the Freedom Public Library offers a safe space where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to explore, learn, and create.
The Friends play a vital role as a dedicated partner, raising essential supplemental funds to meet the evolving needs of the library. There is an urgent need for expanded programs, services, and resources.
Additionally, the growing population in southwest Marion County will place further demand on existing services, highlighting the need for increased financial support.
We have identified four key areas (shown below) where additional funding will greatly enhance our offerings.
Ways to Help
Together, we can ensure the Freedom Public Library continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and community for all who enter its doors. Here are several ways you can support this vital institution (click on titles to open):
Join the Friends of the Freedom Public Library and volunteer your time at our book sales or fundraising events.
As a member, you will not only experience the satisfaction of meaningful involvement, but you will also help enrich the well-being of our library community. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer activities, including:
• Assisting with book sales
• Working in the “Friends Corner” Bookstore
• Engaging in membership drives
• Supporting hospitality efforts
• Participating in fundraising initiatives and events.
Joining the Friends is a chance to make new friends, work as part of a team, experience personal growth, and, most importantly, support your library and community.
Support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with your generous donations.
Why The Friends Need Your Support
Early Learning Center
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Promoting social and emotional growth in preschool children and preparing them for academic success through enriching, family-shared experiences.
Programming
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Offering diverse programs for children, teens, and adults that leverage the rich resources of Marion County to meet the needs and interests of our community.
Professional Staff Development
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Empowering library staff with continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring they can offer cutting-edge services to our patrons.
Friends Bookstore
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Expanding the sale of affordable, donated used books through the Friends’ bookstore, with all proceeds directly supporting the mission of providing supplemental financial assistance to the library.
Early Learning Center
Hover to learn more
Promoting social and emotional growth in preschool children and preparing them for academic success through enriching, family-shared experiences.
Programming
Hover to learn more
Offering diverse programs for children, teens, and adults that leverage the rich resources of Marion County to meet the needs and interests of our community.
Professional Staff Development
Hover to learn more
Empowering library staff with continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring they can offer cutting-edge services to our patrons.
Friends Corner Bookstore
Hover to learn more
Expanding the sale of affordable, donated used books through the Friends Corner Bookstore, with all proceeds directly supporting the mission of providing supplemental financial assistance to the library.
Funding
As the primary fundraising organization for the Freedom Public Library, the Friends have been providing vital supplemental financial assistance since our incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in 2000. Our funding comes from five key sources, with the main one being the sale of donated used books from our community. These funding sources include:
Sale of Donated Used Books
Financial Contributions
Membership Dues
Fundraising Events
Matching Grants
In the past nine years alone, the Friends have supported the Freedom Public Library with over
$110,000
in supplemental financial assistance, which have been used to finance the following initiatives:
Library Programs for Children, Teens, and Adults
A Portable Computer Classroom
An Outdoor Digital Sign
Renovation of the library‘s staff facility workroom
An Outdoor Drive-Up Book Drop
College Tuition Assistance for Library Staff
Last year, our volunteers gave 7, 355 hours of their time. With the current national value per volunteer hour of $33.00*, their time was worth over
$242,715
*Based on a report by IndependentSector.org and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland.
FRIENDS OF FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFICERS (l-r): Pat Hojenski, Treasurer; Mary Ellen Poe, Vice President; Judy Leacock, President
FRIENDS OF FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTORS: Pat MacMurray, Book Sales Director; Lou Doak, Membership Director; Loretta Campagna, Communications Director
Thank you for your Support
Your contributions to the Friends of the Freedom Public Library are more than just financial support—they are the lifeblood of our ability to serve and inspire our community. Every donation plays a crucial role in expanding library services, creating enriching educational programs, and preserving valuable resources for future generations. Because of your generosity, we can continue to provide a place where knowledge thrives, creativity flourishes, and lifelong learning remains accessible to all.
Your support is a testament to the shared values of literacy, learning, and cultural engagement that unite our community. It ensures that the Freedom Public Library remains a vital resource and gathering place for generations to come. With your help, we can do more than just maintain the status quo—we can innovate, grow, and reach new heights in fulfilling our mission. As we look to the future and work toward expanding our library’s impact, your contributions are making a real and lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and for being an essential part of our journey.
Your support is a testament to the shared values of literacy, learning, and cultural engagement that unite our community. It ensures that the Freedom Public Library remains a vital resource and gathering place for generations to come. With your help, we can do more than just maintain the status quo—we can innovate, grow, and reach new heights in fulfilling our mission. As we look to the future and work toward expanding our library’s impact, your contributions are making a real and lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and for being an essential part of our journey.
Donor Spotlight
Surrounded by stacks of audiobooks, Norman and Susan Reid stand proudly alongside the Freedom Public Library’s beloved big bear mascot, William Shakesbear.
Back in 2017, the Reids made a heartfelt promise—to support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with generous annual donations, dedicated to the purchase of audiobooks. Their commitment has not only enriched the library’s collection but has also brought the joy of storytelling to countless listeners. Today, their tradition of giving continues, with plans to do so for years to come.
From all of us at the Friends of the Freedom Public Library, thank you, Norman and Susan, for your unwavering generosity and love of literature!
Back in 2017, the Reids made a heartfelt promise—to support the Friends of the Freedom Public Library with generous annual donations, dedicated to the purchase of audiobooks. Their commitment has not only enriched the library’s collection but has also brought the joy of storytelling to countless listeners. Today, their tradition of giving continues, with plans to do so for years to come.
From all of us at the Friends of the Freedom Public Library, thank you, Norman and Susan, for your unwavering generosity and love of literature!
Commemorative Donations
In Honor of Loretta Campagna by Bob and Cheris Garrison
In Memory of Hal Levine by Judy Leacock, Thomas and Jean Keegan, Patricia MacMurray
In Memory of Lyn Silberman’s Birthday by John and Barbara Paglione and Robert and Sandra Woycke
In Memory of Jennifer Smith (JR) by Prince of Peace Church, Martin Bailey, Carol Jones, Margaret Keith, Jeff and Shelley Smith, Barbara Adler, Tracy Cribbs, Pat Hojenski
In Memory of Stephen Bongiovanni by Sharon Weyrauch, Robert and Maureen Bauman, Daniel and Charlotte Thomas, Mary Jo Eggers, Ocala Macintosh User Group, John and Marilyn Kennedy, Elaine Smith
In Memory of Arnold Hansen by Phillip Davis
In Memory of Tink Allshouse by daughter, Ginger Allshouse
In Memory of Hal Levine by Judy Leacock, Thomas and Jean Keegan, Patricia MacMurray
In Memory of Lyn Silberman’s Birthday by John and Barbara Paglione and Robert and Sandra Woycke
In Memory of Jennifer Smith (JR) by Prince of Peace Church, Martin Bailey, Carol Jones, Margaret Keith, Jeff and Shelley Smith, Barbara Adler, Tracy Cribbs, Pat Hojenski
In Memory of Stephen Bongiovanni by Sharon Weyrauch, Robert and Maureen Bauman, Daniel and Charlotte Thomas, Mary Jo Eggers, Ocala Macintosh User Group, John and Marilyn Kennedy, Elaine Smith
In Memory of Arnold Hansen by Phillip Davis
In Memory of Tink Allshouse by daughter, Ginger Allshouse
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