- Ventura Friends of the Library supports the public libraries of the City of Ventura in their delivery of library services, including:
- Purchase of library materials and equipment, e.g. books, CDs, DVDs, books on tape, display and bookcases
- Year-round reading programs for children and youth
- Summer programs for children and youth
- Special programs for families and adults
- Increase of public awareness of legislation and other activities that may affect the delivery of library services
Our fundraising begins with the dues collected from members of Friends of the Library and book donations received from Friends and library patrons. We raise funds for all our activities through resale of donated books at periodic book sales and the bookstore in E.P Foster Library. We accept most books, with the exception of: Medical & law books over 5 years old; Encyclopedias; Dirty, musty or books that have stored in outdoor storage (usually are damaged or have bugs)
Book donations can be left in the blue wooden bins inside E.P. Foster Library and Hill Road Library. Our warehouse which is located in Saticoy receives large donations on Friday mornings from 9-11 am. We have volunteers who help unload the books. To make other arrangements for large donations, please email bookstore@venturafriendsofthelibrary.org
A good eye for the value of books is essential, but in the last few years a new tool has been available to determine the value of books.
With smartphone apps, volunteers can scan the donated books to
acquire information on market price and availability. Certain books are then offered for sale to a wider audience than those who might visit our store or periodic sales through listing on Amazon or eBay.
When customers of Amazon see “books available used”, Ventura FOL is one of the vendors they can purchase from. This has allowed Ventura FOL to capture the value of these more collectible books for the benefit of our libraries.
Some donated books are added directly to the library’s collection. Some books are chosen to fill the shelves of our bookstore.
Then, the rest are sent to a warehouse for further sorting and pricing.
These books will make their appearance later at our periodic sales. When you donate books, please be sure that they are clean and still relevant so that they will be salable.
As the old saying goes, “Many hands make light work” and we do have many hands at work. We also have gotten a great return for the library for our effort and an award from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for NonProfit Organization of the Year in 2013.
We are always looking for more volunteers for all the activities necessary to keep our organization vital. Please visit our bookstore to shop and do let us know if you would like to volunteer to work at the bookstore.
Volunteers are needed on a regular basis and for specific occasions. We especially need extra help for wrangling boxes of books and driving a truck for periodic sales. We invite you to join an award winning team!