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Home > Support Us > Friends of the Parkland Community Library
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 for 2025.
The Friends warmly welcome Laurie Eisenberg to our Board as the new secretary and Heidi Baer as the new North Whitehall representative.
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 about the library and are 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
September 4, 2025
November 6, 2025
January 8, 2026
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
Please visit the library’s home page for Hours of Operation.
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.
The Friends of PCL Annual Used Book Sale TBA!
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. Please bring your bags.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
If you are interested in helping set up the sale, don’t hesitate to contact Lynne Harakal.
2025 Donation Dates and Times
August 11-13: 10AM-7PM.
August 14, 10AM-12 noon.
SALE DATES
Preview Night: August 14, 4PM- 6PM.
$15 entry fee. Friends members get in free!
Free Dates
Aug 15, 10AM-6PM.
August 16, 10AM-5PM.
BIG BAG SALE DAY ($10/bag)
August 17, 10:30AM-5PM.
FPCL in the Community
Scholarship in Honor of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich
Thank you for your interest. The 2025 winner is announced.
Please check back next spring for another opportunity.
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 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!
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
Most Circulated of Youth Services 2025
Most Popular Items Welcome to the Most Circulated Youth Services of 2025! We’re thrilled to share the top reads and popular items that library families loved over the past year. Parkland Community Library offers engaging learning tools, including secure, battery-powered Launchpads. These devices aren’t connected to the internet, so you can relax knowing your child’s…
Most Circulated Non-fiction and Media of 2025
View the Most Circulated Non-fiction and Media of 2025, checked out by you, our patrons! Discover the most sought-after adult non-fiction books, DVDs, and Library of Things items of 2025. Dive into the world of knowledge and entertainment with our curated selection of the best titles and media that captivated audiences this past year. From…
Continue Reading Most Circulated Non-fiction and Media of 2025
February News
2026, see what’s happening at your library this month! Here is the February overview of upcoming events, new items, recommendations, and monthly awareness initiatives. We are pleased to share what’s happening this month with you. February is Library Lovers’ Month Library Lovers’ Month is here, and we want to express our gratitude to all our…