THE FRIENDS OF ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES
WHO WE ARE
The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries are a group of community members dedicated to raising funds to support resources and services provided by Arapahoe Libraries. They do so through memberships, running five library used bookstores and hosting four annual used book sales.
The fundraising efforts of the Friends contribute to valuable programs like Summer Reading, and fund grants to improve the spaces and experiences for patrons. If you love your library, consider becoming a Friend today for as low as $15 per year.
Members of The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries receive invitations to the annual preview book sales. There is nothing quite like the support of a friend, so join today.
GRANTS
The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries funds an array of projects and programs. The biggest contribution goes to the annual Summer Reading Program, which The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries underwrites every year.
BUY ONLINE
Shop our Amazon bookstore online and get rare books delivered to your door.
USED BOOK SALES
2023 Book Sales
January 26-29 Smoky Hill Library
June 9-11 Southglenn Library
September 13-17 Koelbel Library
December 2-3 Koelbel Library
USED BOOK STORE LOCATIONS
BOOK & MEDIA DONATIONS
Book and media donations are accepted at Koelbel, Smoky Hill, Castlewood, Southglenn and May Libraries Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm.
If a library cannot accommodate your donation due to space limitations, they will recommend another Arapahoe Libraries location to take your donation.
Large book donation pickups have been temporarily paused and will resume on October 2, 2023.
*Please note, a large donation is considered 10 boxes or more.
Donating books is a great way to clear out space in your home. As an added bonus, you can feel great knowing the sale of used books helps support library programs like Summer Reading. Best of all, your donations are tax-deductible.
The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries cannot accept:
- Readers' Digest Condensed Books
- Encyclopedias
- Reference books (business books, travel books, medical books, etc.) over three years old
- Any items previously owned by other libraries
- Cassette tapes and vinyl records
- VHS tapes
- Empty cases for CDs, DVDs, etc.
- Magazines
- Technology or electronics
- Furniture (CD racks, book cases, etc.)
Have questions? Contact us, opens a new window or call The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries' office at 303-792-8960.
WHAT TO DONATE
- Gently used books of all sorts—hardback fiction and nonfiction, paperbacks in good condition and children’s books
- DVDs and CDs
- Audiobooks
- Textbooks without writing or highlighting
For the safety of our volunteers, we ask that donations be boxed, not bagged.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers make a remarkable contribution to Arapahoe Libraries. In 2019, our hard-working volunteers donated a grand total of 21,941 hours of service to Arapahoe Libraries. Each volunteer brings a unique skill set, life experience and personality, allowing us to achieve far more than we could on our own.
We depend on volunteers to teach computer classes, help with early childhood literacy programs, work with The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries, shelve library materials, assist with the Summer Reading Program and so much more. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers back to our libraries soon!
HOW TO APPLY
Adults: Volunteer opportunities fluctuate throughout the year. For adult positions, please review our current opportunities and complete the corresponding application.
Teens: Learn more about teen volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in volunteering in English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes or English Conversation Circles (ECC), please contact The Learning Source for more information and volunteer opportunities.
volunteering@thelearningsource.org
303-922-4683
Volunteer at The Learning Source, opens a new window
Have more questions? Please contact the volunteer coordinator at 303-792-8960 or use the form below.
The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries gladly accepts donations of any amount to help support library programs such as Summer Reading and early literacy initiatives. Best of all, your donation is tax-deductible. Find out how, opens a new window.
DONOR WALL DONATIONS
For a minimum $350 donation, we will acknowledge your generosity with the placement of your name or the name of a loved one on one of our donor walls available at Castlewood, Eloise May, Koelbel and Smoky Hill library.
A memorial or honor gift is a unique way to celebrate special occasions or recognize someone important to you. We’ll be sure to notify your loved one or their family of your gift as you indicate.
Find out how., opens a new window
