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Friends of the Parkland Community Library
Board Openings
Interested applicants can email The Friends here.
Friends of the Library seeks a President and Fundraising Chairperson.
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 passionate about the library and 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, provide funding for the main entrance book drop, complimentary copies of BookPage, charging stations, outdoor seating, and more.
Join the FPCL on Facebook
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, contact Lisa Nyce, Vice President Membership, at NyceFriends@gmail.com
Attend a Meeting
Members and non-members are invited to our meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
March 5, 2026
May 7, 2026, Offsite (Annual Luncheon/Meeting)
June 4, 2026
All meetings are held at 1pm in the Carol and Perry Zirkel Meeting Rooms. Dates and times are subject to change.
Newsletter
Find all the latest news about events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts in the Friends of the Parkland Community Library’s quarterly newsletter!
The Book Shop
The Book Shop is located to the left of the circulation desk, through the double doors in the Zirkel Meeting Rooms wing of the library.
Donations
Due to space limitations, donations are not accepted year-round. They are only accepted through the Friends’ group. **Please do not leave items at the front desk or in the book drops. For more information, please contact the Friends at 610-398-1361 ext. 111.
Donation Guidelines
Accepted: lightly used items, 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.
All book sales will be listed on the library’s events calendar and the Friends Facebook page.
Events & Fundraising
Book Sales
All book sales will be listed on the library’s events calendar and the Friends Facebook page.
The Annual Luncheon
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 1pm
Morgan’s Restaurant: 3079 Willow Street, Allentown, PA 18104
Attendees can order from a special menu, and separate checks will be provided. This event is open to all FPCL members and anyone interested in learning more about our organization.
Registration will be announced in 2026.
FPCL in the Community
Scholarship in Honor of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich
Apply now! The deadline is June 30, 2026.
The Friends of the Parkland Community offers the annual Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich Memorial Scholarship each spring. This scholarship honors the memory of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich, two individuals whose dedication to community service has left a lasting impression on those around them.
To be considered for this award, individuals seeking to further their education must have volunteered with the Friends or at Parkland Community Library and be committed to making a difference. The scholarship committee will carefully evaluate each application to select recipients who exemplify the values and spirit of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich and demonstrate a passion for serving others.
If you are a graduating high school senior or current college student who has dedicated time to volunteer work and community service, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship. This is your chance to be recognized for your contributions and receive support to further your education. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your commitment to serving others and making a difference in the community. Apply now and make a lasting impact through your dedication to volunteerism.
2025 Winner
The Friends had the pleasure of awarding the FPCL Scholarship to Healley Saltz. Healley graduated from Parkland High School in June and also earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology from LCCC. She’s excited to attend Westchester this fall, where she plans to major in Psychology or Political Science.
Congratulations, Healley! Wishing you the very best in all your future endeavors!
The Friends of PCL Annual Used Book Sale 2026!
Shop at the Friends of Parkland Community Library’s yearly fundraiser!
Held at Jordan Lutheran Church, 5103 Snowdrift Rd, Orefield, PA 18069
Stock up on great reading material, games, puzzles, and more! The Annual Book Sale fundraiser supports the Parkland Community Library; all proceeds benefit events and improvements.
Cash or check only, and requires a valid driver’s license. Please bring your bags.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
If you are interested in helping set up the sale, don’t hesitate to contact Lynne Harakal.
Sale Dates
Preview Sale Night:
Thr., August 13, 4–6pm
$15 Entry Fee | Friends of PCL members are Free.
Free Entry Days:
Fri., August 14, 10am–6pm
Sat., August 15, 10am–5pm
Bag Sale Day:
Sun., August 16, 10:30am–5pm
FREE ENTRY | $10/bag
Donation Dates:
*Donations received ONLY at Jordan Lutheran Church
Mon., August 10, 10am–7pm
Tue., August 11, 10am–7pm
Wed., August 12, 10am–7pm
Thr., August 13, 10am– 2pm
Not accepted: Bibles, Chicken Soup books, coffee table books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, hymnals, magazines, Reader’s Digest, textbooks, VHS tapes, or DAMAGED ITEMS.
Book Shop
Shop hours are listed on the library’s homepage.
The shop is located to the left of the criculation desk, through the double doors of the library’s Carol & Perry Zirkel Meeting Room wing.
Find the Friends on Facebook
April Library News
Find your joy this April at your library! “Find Your Joy” is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library during National Library Week April 19-25. Award-winning librarian, author, and new host of the children’s program “Reading Rainbow,” Mychal Threets, will serve as Honorary…
Native Plant Garden
Find some inspiration! This blog aims to answer common questions about native plant gardens. We hope this information enhances your enjoyment of the library’s gardens and landscaping. The Parkland Community Library would like to thank The Friends of PCL for their generous donation, which has made this project a success. Blueprint of the library’s gardens.…
Seed Library
The Seed Library kicks off on March 28, 2026. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, the Seed Library has something for everyone. Mix and match your seed packets to create a garden that suits your preferences and tastes. We have various seeds, from root vegetables to vines, herbs, and wildflowers. Exciting news –…