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Friends of the Library pledges larger allocation, eyes $8,000 shortfall bridging via book sales
Summary
The Friends of the Library told the advisory board it plans to roughly double its allocation to the library this year and is planning multiple book sales and Amplify Austin fundraising efforts to cover an estimated $8,000–$8,200 gap in library funding.
The Friends of the Library reported to the Pflugerville City advisory board that it plans to increase its financial support for library programs and services and will pursue multiple fundraising activities to do so.
"We basically doubled our total anticipated allocations to the library to help some of the city budget pullback," Friends treasurer Kim Reese told the board, noting the organization expects to increase a single‑year allocation to help offset shortfalls in the city budget. Reese said the Friends are planning five book sales in 2026, including one on January 29, and will participate in Amplify Austin fundraising in March.
The treasurer estimated the gap the Friends hopes to help bridge is roughly $8,000 to $8,200 and said the group hopes to raise the additional dollars through sales, donations and memberships. Board members and Friends representatives discussed volunteer roles, partnerships with the local independent bookstore and the possibility of creating a regional Friends summit to share best practices.
Kim Reese described the Friends as a "501(c)(3) non profit, all volunteer organization of a couple 100 members" that typically runs book sales, supplies volunteers and raises money to support library programs. She said the group has increased allocations in recent years and wants to step up support again for the coming year.
The board encouraged members to attend Friends meetings and to consider volunteering at sales and events.
The Friends provided an estimated funding gap figure and a schedule of planned events; fundraising outcomes are pending as the events occur.
