10/08/2026
Volusia County Public Library Celebrates Friends of the Library Week
Volusia County Public Library joins libraries nationwide in celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week, October 18–24, 2026, by recognizing local Friends of the Library groups that support library services throughout Volusia County.
Friends of the Library groups at all 14 branches contribute time, talent, advocacy, and financial support that strengthen library collections, programs, spaces, equipment, and services for library users of all ages.
In Fiscal Year 2026, Friends groups contributed more than $200,000 in support of library services. This funding brought speakers, musicians, and performers to yearlong programming, provided programming supplies, supported additional technology and maker equipment such as robotics, sewing machines, Cricut™ cutters, and 3D printers, and helped refresh furnishings in library spaces.
Friends of the Library funding particularly supports literacy throughout the year, from Storytime and reading challenges to summer reading campaigns and other special events for children, teens, and families. Friends of the Library groups also invest in resources that support early literacy and Florida’s grade-level reading campaign.
This year, Friends of the Library groups throughout Volusia County joined together to purchase decodable books for circulating Decodable Reading Kits, giving beginning readers opportunities to practice letter-sound relationships, word decoding, and other essential reading skills in support of the science of reading.
Beyond fundraising, Friends groups serve as advocates for the library. Members speak with elected officials, attend public meetings, and share with neighbors how library services benefit families, students, job seekers, and older adults. Their voices help ensure that decision makers understand the value libraries bring to Volusia County communities.
"The Friends of the Library are essential partners in our mission to provide accessible, quality library services to every community in Volusia County," said Lucinda Colee, Library Services Director. "Their generosity funds programs that our budget alone could not support, and their advocacy reminds decision makers that libraries are a sound public investment."
"When a Friends group funds a summer performer or a new early literacy resource, the impact reaches thousands of residents," Colee said. "Friends members give generously, and they also speak up for the library when it matters most."
During Friends of the Library Week, residents are encouraged to recognize the contributions of local Friends members and learn more about supporting a Friends group throughout the year. Opportunities may include joining a Friends group, volunteering to help with Friends activities, attending Friends sponsored events, following local Friends groups on social media, or visiting a book sale.
Volusia County Public Library serves nearly 600,000 residents through 14 library locations and a 24/7 online library. Library services support lifelong learning through collections, technology, literacy initiatives, educational programming, workforce resources, and community engagement opportunities for all ages. Learn more about local Friends of the Library organizations by calling or visiting local library branches. For branch hours and locations, visit https://www.volusialibrary.org/hours-and-locations/.
