The following projects reflect the Friends’ commitment to helping the Freedom Public Library remain a strong, vibrant, and essential resource for our community.
Volunteer
Friends Corner Bookstore & Workroom
LiteZilla Wall in the Children’s Area
Join The Friends of Freedom Public Library
Our Projects
As FRIENDS OF THE FREEDOM PUBLIC LIBRARY, we are dedicated to preserving and strengthening the resources, services and facilities that the library gives freely to our community. The library brings enjoyment to our lives and helps us endow our children with an understanding of our heritage and culture. In gratitude and with dedication to sharing these same gifts and new ones with our community, we have become friends who support the work of the Freedom Public Library.
Investing in technology
In 2016, the Friends funded a portable computer classroom consisting of 15 laptops and a charging cart, helping modernize the library's technology resources.
Improving Library Workroom Spaces
In 2019, the Friends funded a complete renovation of the library staff workroom, including new furniture. The original workspace was overcrowded and inefficient, with limited room to move and work. The renovation created a more functional environment with an improved layout, additional workspace, and new furniture.
Outdoor Digital Sign
In 2020, in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System and the Freedom Public Library, the Friends contributed approximately $30,000 toward the purchase of a large outdoor digital sign in preparation for the library's long-awaited expansion. The sign helps the library share information, announcements, and activities with the surrounding community.
Friends Corner Bookstore & Workroom
In 2025, the Friends began planning and organizing the space for the new Friends Corner Bookstore and workroom, focusing on shelving, storage, and furnishings. In 2026, the Friends purchased the furniture, shelving, and equipment needed to establish the bookstore and workroom in the expanded library at a total cost of $17,790.
LiteZilla Wall in the Children’s Area
In 2026, following the library's expansion, the Friends spent $29,850 to purchase a LiteZilla wall in the children's area. This large-scale, interactive light wall invites children and adults to express their creativity by designing colorful, illuminated patterns and images, adding an engaging new feature to the library experience for children and families.
Ongoing Contributions
Through the sale of donated, gently used books, community support, and fundraising efforts, the Friends continue to help the library meet the needs of the people it serves.
Monday–Saturday: 10:15 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Library Programs
The Friends continue to provide funding for the library's diverse programs for children, teens, and adults, helping make activities available to meet the needs and interests of our community.
The Friends continue to provide funding for the library's diverse programs for children, teens, and adults, helping make activities available to meet the needs and interests of our community.
Library Staff Education Assistance
In 2014, the Friends began providing college tuition assistance to the Freedom Public Library staff. Following the library’s expansion in 2026, the staff doubled in size, increasing the number of employees who may benefit from this support. The Friends continue to encourage continuing education and professional development, helping staff advance in their careers and better serve the library community.
In 2014, the Friends began providing college tuition assistance to the Freedom Public Library staff. Following the library’s expansion in 2026, the staff doubled in size, increasing the number of employees who may benefit from this support. The Friends continue to encourage continuing education and professional development, helping staff advance in their careers and better serve the library community.
Advocacy Efforts
In keeping with their commitment to supporting the library, the Friends took a public stand in 2018, working to help defeat Amendment 1 on the November ballot. If passed, the amendment would have reduced the county's property tax base and threatened funding for libraries and other quality-of-life services in the county.
In keeping with their commitment to supporting the library, the Friends took a public stand in 2018, working to help defeat Amendment 1 on the November ballot. If passed, the amendment would have reduced the county's property tax base and threatened funding for libraries and other quality-of-life services in the county.
We are grateful to our members, volunteers, donors, and community supporters whose generosity makes these projects and ongoing contributions possible.
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Feel Free to Contact the Friends
We’re located at 5870 SW 95th St, Ocala, FL 34476
We’re located at 5870 SW 95th St, Ocala, FL 34476