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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 seek a President, Secretary, and Fundraising Chairperson for Spring 2025.
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, provided funding for the main entrance book drop, 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, contact Lisa Nyce, Vice President Membership, at NyceFriends@gmail.com
Attend a Meeting
Members and non-members are invited to our meetings.
Upcoming Meetings
- 5/1/25 (Annual meeting offsite)
- 6/5/25
- 9/6/25
- 11/6/25
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 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
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Accepting Reservations!
Our Annual Luncheon is on Thursday, May 1, at 1PM at Morgan’s.
Attendees can order from a special menu, and separate checks will be given. This event is open to all FPCL members and anyone interested in learning more about our organization.
RSVP by email to Pat Elliott by April 15.
Morgan’s Restaurant: 3079 Willow Street, Allentown, PA 18104
FPCL in the Community
Scholarship in Honor of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich
Apply Now! Applications are due June 30, 2025.
Available in the spring each year.
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.
2024 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!
Fundraising
The Friends of PCL Annual Used Book Sale is back in August 2025!
Shop at the Friends of Parkland Community Library 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 Parkland Community Library; all proceeds go to events & 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.
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.
2025 Save Around Coupon Book is Sold Out! Thank you for your support!
The Friends of the Library 2025 Save Around/Enjoy the City Books fundraiser is back! Books are on sale at the PCL Circulation Desk and The Friends Book Shop. These books include the same great coupons for restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail services.
These books also make great gifts……for birthdays and anniversaries, for that “hard to buy for” person, or for the upcoming holidays.
Questions? Email Lorna.
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 offers instant savings wherever you go.
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.
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
Stories in the Schools
Your library would like to welcome everyone back to Stories in the Schools 2025. Discover a nearby school and join in on this enjoyable family event. Photo by USA Architects About The Parkland Community Library will host Stories in the Schools as part of the Parkland School District’s Summer Library program. PCL staff and volunteers…
July Library News
2025 Get ready for an exciting July at the library! We’re thrilled to invite you to join Libby’s Library Big Read, featuring the captivating book “The Storyteller’s Death.” The best part? You can borrow it instantly without any wait time or holds. The Summer Reading Club is in full swing, so be sure to log…
Helping Our Community with Plant A Row
Get involved in your community by participating in Plant A Row with PCL! Whether you have a green thumb or are new to gardening, Plant A Row is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact. Donating just one row of your garden or some produce can help provide nutritious food to those in need. …