This week, October 19–25, 2025, Washoe County Library will celebrate the Friends of Washoe County Library as part of the 20th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.
Established in 1980, the Friends of Washoe County Library nonprofit has raised over $2 million for the library system in support of technology, materials, programs, and more. “In 2024, the Friends donated $109,000 to support the library system,” Public Information and Development Officer Jamie Hemingway said. “Their volunteers work hard year-round to promote memberships and hold popular book sales that generate these much-needed funds. I’m proud to be the library liaison to this completely volunteer-run local nonprofit.”
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners will recognize National Friends of Libraries Week with a proclamation at the Tuesday, October 21, meeting. For more information about upcoming meetings, visit www.washoecounty.gov/bcc.
The Friends’ fundraising efforts include periodic book sales which take place next to the Sierra View Library in the Reno Town Mall, 4001 S. Virginia St. The final book sale of the year is happening now through October 26. Patrons can support the Friends by shopping at the sale, which includes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, as well as DVDs, puzzles, and more, or by shopping online at the Friends’ Amazon store.
The public can also support the Friends through membership dues. Members benefit from early admission to the book sales, discounted memberships at local partnership organizations, and more. Several of these members volunteer their time to assist with the book sales. To learn more about membership and volunteer opportunities, contact the Friends at 775-324-5522 or visit washoelibraryfriends.org.
National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library board trustees, advocates, friends groups, library foundations, and those who work with them into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united.