The Friends of Carmel Valley Library is a member-supported, all-volunteer organization whose purpose is to support the Carmel Valley Branch Library and the San Diego Public Library system. The Friends of Carmel Valley Library is an affiliate chapter of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library (FSDPL), an official §501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted under that designation.

The Carmel Valley Friends generate funds through membership dues, donations, and the sale of used books in the Friendly Finds bookstore located just inside the front door of the library. The Friends use those proceeds to provide support for many vital library needs that are not covered in the City budget. We have purchased children’s computers, community room audio/visual equipment and window coverings, a children’s story time rug, bookshelves, and patio furniture. We fund expanded leased book collections and augment the City book & materials budget. We also fund programs such as the monthly Family Music concerts and the weekly Summer Reading Program entertainers.

To maximize the benefits of fund-raising monies, we utilize the City of San Diego’s matching fund program.  This means that each dollar given for memberships, donations and used book purchases, becomes two dollars in library benefits ($1.50 for our Carmel Valley Library and $.50 to aid less advantaged branches)! Advocacy is another means the Friends use to support the Library. Partnered with the San Diego Public Library Foundation the Friends meet with City Council members to inform them of the City Library system needs and budget shortfalls.

The Board of the Friends of the Carmel Valley Library meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the Carmel Valley Library Community Room. Anyone interested is invited to attend.