History of the Friends

The Friends of the Temple Public Library was organized in March of 1965. Mrs. Keifer Marshall, Jr. was the first president. By September of that first year there were 265 members. The first contribution to the library was the purchase of 25 chairs for the library assembly room.

Over the next 15 years, the Friends continued to support the Library by purchasing books and equipment and sponsoring events. In 1967 the Friends sponsored a children's reading program, which continues today. In 1985 the first Used Book Sale was held at the Temple Mall over the Labor Day weekend. A huge success, the book sale became the major fund raising event and was held at the mall every year until 2009 when the sale was moved to the Library and expanded to semi-annual events held just prior to Labor Day and in February. Over the years the Used Book Sale has made it possible for the Friends to contribute more than half a million dollars to the Library. Major contributions include a $75,000 donation in 1997 to the original renovation of the Library building and $100,000 to the 2010 renovation. In addition, the Friends have funded the Librarian’s wish list for more than 15 years, which has ranged from $20,000 to $35,000 each year.