About Us

The Friends of Chapel Hill Public Library is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to the support of Chapel Hill Public Library.

We are part of a proud national network of independent Friends groups that strengthen their local libraries through fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach.

What began in the late 1950s as a small group of dedicated volunteers has grown into a thriving organization that raises more than $175,000 for the library each year through book sales, memberships and donations, and events.

Each year, a portion of these funds is given as an annual gift to support library collections, programs, and services. The rest is set aside in a reserve fund for unbudgeted needs and major projects, like the $185,000 expansion of the upper parking lot during the pandemic.

Thanks to our members, donors, volunteers, and other supporters, the Friends continue to make a lasting impact on the library and the community it serves.

Organization and Bylaws

The Friends are governed by an elected board and operate through committees. In accordance with the Friends Bylaws, all board members must be active volunteers in a committee or board leadership position and all board terms are for two years subject to an eight-year term limit. The Governance Committee recommends the annual slate of board candidates and emails it to the membership for approval each year before the Annual Lunch Meeting & Program.