FCL Becoming a Friend

If you are someone who loves reading and values the role that libraries play in our communities, then becoming a member of the Friends of the Cerritos Library is an excellent way to support a cause that you believe in. The purpose of the Friends of the Library is to support and advocate for the library. Friends of the Library are a group of volunteers who work to promote the library in the community, raise funds for library programs and services, and promote the use of the Library and its many facilities. By supporting the library, Friends of the Library contribute to the betterment of their community and help to foster a love of reading and learning in others. The Friends also operate a book store in the Cerritos Library, offering high-quality used books, gift items and Cerritos Library mementos for sale. By joining such an organization, you can connect with others who share your passion for reading and learning and make a meaningful difference in your community. So, why not become a member today and help support a cause that you believe in?

Meetings are held on the second Monday in February, April, June, October and December at 7:30 p.m. Becoming a Friend is easy. Just download the application here and mail it with your check to our post office box. Forms can also be obtained at the Cerritos Library.

MEMBERSHIP FEES:
Individual: $20.00 per year
Family: $45.00 per year
Corporation/Organization: $200.00
Life Membership (single): $250.00*
*Member’s name will be displayed on the Friends’ Dedication Wall in the Cerritos Library for two years.

The Friends gratefully accept monetary donations in any amount.

Don’t forget to visit the Friends’ Bookstore.
We feature an outstanding collection of gently used books and library-themed souvenirs.

Store Hours:
Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cerritos City Council honors the Friends of the Cerritos Library

Friends and Council

The Cerritos City Council honored the Friends of the Cerritos Library for National Friends of the Library Week in 2022. Pictured in the front row (left to right) are Councilmember Naresh Solanki, Friends President Shiva Bhatt, Mayor Chuong Vo and Councilmember Lynda P. Johnson, and in the back row (left to right) are Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama and Mayor Pro Tem Bruce W. Barrows.

The Friends of the Cerritos Library was commended for its dedication to supporting the Cerritos Library through volunteer service and funding for programs such as the Summer Reading Program, art and writing contests for students and library celebrations for staff and patrons.

Friends History: Organized in 1972, the Friends of the City of Cerritos Public Library, Inc., was established with the purpose of promoting the use of the Library and its many services through donations and various projects.

The Friends were instrumental in making the Cerritos Library the first public library in the United States to be dedicated to the nation’s First Ladies of the White House. Portraits, personal items, autographed books, the Franklin Mint collection of First Ladies’ coins and quotations from Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalind Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush make up this special collection. Materials will be added to this collection throughout the years.

The Friends of the Cerritos Library understands the critical importance of a well-funded library and makes significant contributions to the Cerritos Library by organizing successful book sales, staffing the Friends of the Cerritos Library book store, presenting the Homework Help program and helping to promote library services. The members of the Friends of the Cerritos Library set an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.

The Friends have made many generous and helpful donations to the Cerritos Library. In 2018, the Friends contributed $15,000 to support the Cerritos Library’s purchase and implementation of a replacement radio frequency identification (RFID) system. In 2013, the Friends donated $30,224 to the Cerritos Library for the purchase of 48 new computers for use by the public.