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Friends of the Parkland Community Library
Meet the Friends
The Friends of the Parkland Community Library (FPCL) is a service organization committed to providing additional support to the library. The Friends are a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate that the library is an essential part of the community.
Their efforts provide financial support for supplies and equipment beyond funding provided by local, regional, and state government agencies.
Their Contributions
The FPCL work actively to make the library a better place by promoting community outreach, fundraising, staff development opportunities, and enhancing the library experience for all patrons. Their ongoing yearly support enables the library to continue its wide range of programming.
Efforts by the FPCL allow the library to offer affordable printing in our Tech Center, complimentary copies of BookPage, charging stations, outdoor seating, and more.
Stay in Touch
Find all the latest news about events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts in the Friends of the Parkland Community Library quarterly newsletter!
Join the FPCL on Facebook
Read our Newsletter:
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Businesses, families, and individuals can support your community by becoming a Friend of PCL.
Become a Member
Bring your completed membership form to the library or mail your form to:
Attn: Membership Chair, Friends of the Parkland Community Library
4422 Walbert Avenue
Allentown, PA 18104
Dues are made payable to The Friends of the Parkland Community Library.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Friends welcome new volunteers! FPCL volunteers have the opportunity to help with several functions, including:
- Staffing the Book Shop
- Events and programs
- Publicity
- Fundraising
- Serving as a committee chair
For more information, please contact Ila Dietrich, FPCL President, at ndietrich@ptd.net.
Attend a Meeting
Members and non-members are invited to our meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
- 3/7/24
- 5/2/24 Annual Meeting/Luncheon: details to follow.
- 6/6/24
- 9/5/24
- 11/7/24
All meetings are held at 1pm in the Carol and Perry Zirkel Meeting Rooms. Dates and times are subject to change.
Events
The Book Shop
The Book Shop is located on the expansion side of the library.
Please visit the library’s home page for Hours of Operation.
The library and the Book Shop have Saturday Summer Hours.
The Book and Porch Sales
All Porch and Book Sales will be listed on the library’s events calendar and The Friends Facebook page.
The Annual Luncheon
Join us on May 2, 2024 at 1pm
Where: Morgan’s Restaurant
3079 Willow St, Allentown, PA 18104
We will order from a curated menu, and separate checks will be given.
RSVP by April 15
All are welcome with a reservation. For questions or to make a reservation, please email Pat Elliott at gil.elliott@rcn.com
Fundraising
Kuhnsville Car Wash supports the Friends of Parkland Community Library!
2024 Save Around Lehigh Valley Are Sold Out! Thank you for your support!
Thank you for your interest. The Friends of the Library Save Around/Enjoy the City Books fundraiser happens once a year. Books are sold at the PCL Circulation Desk and The Friends Book Shop. They contain coupons for restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail services.
These books also make great gifts……for birthdays & anniversaries, for that “hard to buy for” person, or for the upcoming holidays.
Questions? Email Lorna at wwww@ptd.net.
Cost: $25
Download The App!
A Mobile Savings App that you can download onto your phone using the Savings Pass Code located on the front of your purchased book is available for instant savings wherever you go.
FPCL in the Community
Scholarship in Honor of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich
TBA
Created in memory of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich, this annual scholarship is awarded each spring to community members. Students must be graduating high school seniors who have volunteered with the Friends or at Parkland Community Library.
2023 Winners
Mary S. will attend Appalachian State University, majoring in Criminal Justice, and Library employee Karissa B. will attend Pennsylvania Western University at Clarion for her master’s degree in library science.
The scholarships were awarded on August 1, presented by President Ila Dietrich and committee members Lorna Rabe and Pat Elliott.
We wish all our winners good luck in their future endeavors!
Donations
Due to space limitations, donations are not accepted year-round. Donations are only accepted through the Friends’ group. **Please do not leave items at the front desk or in the book drops. Please contact the Friends at 610-398-1361 ext. 111 for more information.
Donation Guidelines
Accepted: Adult/YA/Children’s Fiction, Recent Nonfiction, Any Genre Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobooks, DVDs/Blu-Rays, Puzzles
Not Accepted: Bibles, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Hymnals, Magazines, Reader’s Digest, Textbooks, VHS tapes, or damaged items.
Find the Friends on Facebook
Book Shop
Located in the library’s new wing to the left of the Carol & Perry Zirkel Meeting Rooms.
Shop Hours are listed on the library’s homepage.
HoursShop
Event Calendars
For the most up-to-date events calendar, please view the online calendar here. Get more out of your library by attending programs and events! Our monthly event calendars are available to download below. Libraries have evolved over the years, and PCL is no exception. With our 2021 renovation, we have enlarged our indoor spaces and have…
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