Friends of the
Lebanon Public Library
Our Purpose
Friends of the Lebanon Public Library is an Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance literacy, to encourage an appreciation of books and reading, to promote a wider acquaintance of the educational and cultural facilities available at the Lebanon Public Library, and to provide the Library with additional money for library materials, equipment, programs, and/or special projects from funds received through fundraising activities and donations.
What We Do
We raise funds for the Library through the sale of donated books and bookish merchandise and an annual silent auction. We also solicit donations from the community and apply for grants. In 2024 we added an annual author fair to showcase the literary talent of Oregon writers.
The Friends primarily give back to the Library by sponsoring reading and arts programs for children and young adults. The annual Summer Reading Program is the most impactful program currently sponsored by the Friends. The program encourages and rewards children and adults to read during the summer months when school is not in session.
We also sponsor spring break programs, tween and teen programs, Storytime crafts and activities, and SUGO (Show Up, Geek Out) events. The Friends fund the purchase of children’s board books, replacement items for kits, and special projects for the Library, including the children's room addition.
One of our goals is to get as many books as possible into the hands of people of all ages. In keeping with that, we are committed to providing books to underserved populations in our community.
For a calendar of events and other information about the Library, visit the Lebanon Public Library Website
The former Lebanon Public Library at 626 Second Street. This historic building was constructed in 1936 for the Lebanon Central Hospital. The library was housed there from 1952 until the new library was built in 2009. Currently it's the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam teen center.
In the News
Vandy Roadifer displays a selection of some vintage carved books for sale through Friends of the Library. Lebanon Local, September 11, 2021
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown