“We give the library a check every year,” Jennifer Shertzer, Plano Library Friends community engagement chair, said. “They decide how to direct the funds toward library programs, community outreach, continuing education and pilot projects.”
What’s happening?
Plano Library Friends holds monthly board meetings and social events featuring guest speakers for members throughout the year.
The biggest fundraiser is the quarterly book sale, which takes place in different Plano libraries. The next book sale will take place Dec. 6-14 at Haggard Library. A members-only preview shopping night will be held Dec. 4.
Approximately 4,000 people attend Plano Library Friends book sales. Attendees pay $10, which allows them to choose as many books as they can stuff in a provided bag.
“Knowing that the parents can walk out with a bag of books for their kids to put on their shelves that they will consistently go back to for weeks, years to come—that is a lifelong impact,” Plano Library Friends board President Emily Moore said.
Who it’s for
Following a recent rebrand from Friends of the Plano Library to Plano Library Friends, the nonprofit has not only seen a surge in membership numbers but also a more diverse representation of the city.
“Since 2024, there has been a new influx [of members], and it's very diverse in background, age, socioeconomic [status] and gender orientation,” Moore said. “That wasn't intentional—it happened organically. When I look at the table of our board members, I see our city represented. It is beautiful to see.”
The Plano Public Library System was founded in 1965, the same year Plano Friends of the Library Society was formed. Gladys Harrington was the director of the inaugural library system, a society participant and the namesake of the first Plano library—Gladys Harrington Library—which opened in 1969.
Get involved
There are a variety of ways to get involved with Plano Library Friends, including becoming a member—$25 for an annual individual membership—making a one-time donation, donating books for the book sale and more.
“I get a little dopamine hit every time I see someone has joined Friends. It feels like someone said, ‘I choose you,’” Shertzer said. “Someone decided we were worth their $25, $50 or their $500. Something we said made them realize this is worth it.”
Quote of note
“Our staff are usually here, not because we love books, but because we love people, and that service element to the community is really what drives most of us here,” Ponce de Leon said. “To see that reflected in members of our community ... by giving their time ... that is a vote of confidence. [Friends being] reinvigorated is prompting us to revisit some of our long-term wish list items.”
- Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road, Plano
- www.planolibraryfriends.org
