Friends of the Parkland Community Library
Board Openings
Friends of the Library seeks a President and Fundraising Chairperson.Interested applicants can email The Friends here.
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.
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.
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.
FPCL in the Community
Scholarship in Honor of Alice Madden and Norman Dietrich
Thank you for your interest. The 2026 winners have been 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 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.
2026 Winners
Friends of Parkland Community Library presented 2 scholarships to 2 very deserving young women. On behalf of the Friends and Parkland Community Library, we wish Lila and Taylor lots of luck as they pursue their academic endeavors.
Congratulations, Lila and Taylor! 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
PCL Learning Center
July 1, 2026
Welcome to the PCL Learning Center! Your library card grants you access to many online learning resources! Our staff has compiled an age-based educational list to help you and your family prepare for school and thrive throughout the school year and semesters. Whether you are preparing a little one to start school, priming a child…
Language Tools
July 1, 2026
Parkland Community Library is happy to offer free language tools for both native speakers and those interested in learning a new language. Our online databases and apps are perfect for language research and studying, with no ads. Our language tools are crafted to help users improve their communication skills, enrich their vocabulary, and gain a…
For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons
July 1, 2026
Dungeons & Dragons has maintained a lasting following over the years for its creativity, engaging gameplay, social interaction, friendship-building, and storytelling within a rich, lore-filled universe. Players form guilds to strategize, solve puzzles, and immerse themselves in a vast world of magical creatures and treasures. This role-playing game (RPG) features a customizable tabletop board that…