The San Clemente Friends of the Library (FOL) is a nonprofit organization of dedicated volunteers committed to supporting the San Clemente Library. Organized in 1968, the group has spent decades strengthening the library’s role as a vital community resource, driven entirely by the generosity and involvement of local volunteers.
FOL’s fundraising roots trace back to 1982, when the organization began selling donated books in the library lobby. As community support grew, so did the vision, and through the continued generosity of local residents and businesses, along with the assistance of grants, the FOL Bookstore officially opened its doors in June 1998. This milestone marked a significant expansion of the organization’s ability to give back.
Today, the FOL Bookstore serves as the organization’s primary source of funding, entirely maintained and operated by volunteers who share a passion for literacy and community engagement. Every purchase made at the bookstore directly supports library programs and services, reinforcing the deep connection between FOL and the San Clemente community. Through decades of dedication, the Friends of the Library continue to prove that a small, volunteer-driven effort can make a lasting impact on the accessibility and vibrancy of local library resources.