About Us

The Friends of the Library of Los Altos and Community is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that raises funds in support of the Los Altos Library.  Our annual contribution of over $100,000 helps maintain and improve library collections and facilities at both the Main and Woodland branches, as well as funds most of the programs for patrons of all ages.

History

Early in 1958 the new Los Altos Library was in dire need of books to fill its shelves.  Friends of the Library responded by collecting books, but many of the books contributed were not of library quality. So the Friends organized a sale and contributed the proceeds to the library.  We have been selling donated books ever since. 

Our first book sale was held at Rancho Shopping Center, grossing $146.  Through the years we held sales in parking lots, orchards and vacant buildings.  With support from the City of Los Altos we now hold quarterly sales at the Hillview Community Center.  We also introduced an ongoing sale of books in our libraries and we also sell books online on Amazon.