An undated newspaper clipping, probably published in the Orlando Morning Sentinel or Evening Star, announced the election of Mrs. Ruth McCullough Maguire as president of the newly organized Friends of the Library Association, sponsored by the Winter Park – Orlando Zonta Club. Read the entire article.
The first organizational meeting, reported in the Sunday Sentinel Star, was held on February 27, 1949 at the Albertson Public Library.
In 1953, the Friends of the Library initiated delivery service for shut ins.
Read about the library’s first bookmobile and the involvement of the Friends of the Library.
Peruse additional photos and documents below under attachments.
ABOVE: “Ye Olde Book Sale” at the Winter Park Mall, circa 1972, from 50th Anniversary of the Orlando Public Library.
In 1972, the Friends of the Library held their first “Ye Olde Book Sale” at the Winter Park Mall (East side of Highway 17-92, just south of Lee Road). The annual book sales were extremely popular, netting the library $30,000 from the sales in 1972 and 1973!
The library continues this tradition everyday, selling donated and withdrawn books in branch locations and at the bookstore on the 3rd floor of the Orlando Public Library. In addition, donated titles are also sold on Thriftbooks.com and on Ebay! The Friends of the Library continue to use funds for the benefit of the library in the form of equipment, programs and special events.
The Friends of the Library history was presented in a booklet celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Albertson Public Library in 1973.
For more information on how you can become a member of the Friends of the Library or about the bookstore, visit https://oclsfriends.info/
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Library Body Set - Friends of the Library Association 1949
This article, published in the Orlando Morning Sentinel or Evening Star announces the formation of the Friends of the Library Association sponsored...
New Library Project Slated - Friends of the Library organizational meeting
Article published in the Sentinel Star on Sunday, February 27, 1949, marks the beginning of the Friends of the Library organization at...
Zonta Library Committee postcard - return address
An early postcard from the ZONTA Library Commitee, Albertson Public Library.
Zonta Library Commitee - Postcard back
Postcard from the Zonta Library Committee sent to individuals inviting them to the organizational meeting at the Albertson Public Library.
Friends Organizational Meeting
Friends Organizational Meeting by the Winter Park-Orlando Zonta Club held at the Albertson Public Library on February 27, 1949.
Friends of the Library - Ye Olde Book Sale
The Friends of the Library's Ye Olde Book Sale held annually at the Winter Park Mall beginning in 1972 was a popular...
Friends of the Library Reception 1
Friends of the Library Reception.
Friends of the Library Reception 2
Friends of the Library Reception.
Friends of the Library Article in the Orlando Evening Star - May 8, 1953 regarding delivery service for shut-ins.
Friends of the Library Article - February 13, 1953
About the Friends . . .
Two pages of information on the Friends of the Library and their activities to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Albertson Public Library / Orlando Public Library.