Friends of the Modesto Library

08/31/2026

The Library has partnered with League of Women Voters - Stanislaus County to present the LWV Book Club. Join us on Sept. 30 when we discuss “The Woman’s Hour,” the thrilling story of how the 19th Amendment granting women the vote almost didn’t happen! Author Elaine Weiss will join us via Zoom. We’re even planning a singalong of “Let Mother Vote” from the hit Broadway show, “Suffs.”

08/27/2026

Love the library? Of course you do! One way to show your love is by joining Friends of the Modesto Library OR renewing your annual membership. Membership levels begin at just $25 per year. Dues paid by you and other members account for about 70 percent of our operating budget each year. Visit modestolibraryfriends.org to join or renew your membership.

08/25/2026

It’s been almost 2 years since the Modesto Library closed for renovation but the wait is almost over! Soon, library staffers will begin moving the 200,000+ collection of books and other materials back from Salida in anticipation of the October reopening. There will be lots of ways for YOU to get involved including planning and staffing events surrounding the opening. We’ll also be recruiting FOML volunteers to lead tours of the new library. Learn more at modestolibraryfriends.org.

08/21/2026

FOML’s Kathy Sniffen, Advocacy Chair shares this note about the American Library Association’s (ALA) 150th anniversary. “Learn about the historical impact of the ALA and its efforts to ensure that libraries thrive for the benefit of all people.” https://ala150.org/

08/11/2026

The successful Lifelong Legacy campaign was focused on the interior of the building. Now, Modesto Library Manager Bryan Sontag confirms that beautification of the exterior of the building will proceed as well! The planters around the building will undergo irrigation rehab to support a new sprinkler system AND establish a lovely native plant garden. A 4-foot fence will surround the planted area. FOML applauds the Library’s stewardship of the money raised through the hard work and generosity of our community.

08/08/2026

Come stitch with us! Yarning with Friends meets monthly from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Salida Library. Next meeting is August 11. Beginners to experts are welcome. Work on your own piece or contribute to our current project – The Teddy Bear’s Picnic - while socializing, trading hints, and making friends. Follow our progress on Instagram: yarningwithfriends. modestolibraryfriends.org/events-2/yarn/

08/05/2026

Seven local agencies received books from the May Scholastic Book Fair funded by donors through an eWallet option. FOML member Jeanine Oliver hand-delivered books for children and teens to Children's Crisis Center, HAVEN, Hutton House, LearningQuest, Parent Resource Center, Redwood Family Center and Red Shield Center after the spring online book fair. We hope to resume in-person book fairs when the Modesto Library reopens this Fall. Stay tuned!

05/26/2026

Time is running out! Friends of the Modesto is hosting an ONLINE Scholastic Book Fair. It’s one of the ways FOML works to get more books in the hands of more kids. Shop through May 27. FOML earns 25% of your purchases at no extra cost to you. That profit is used to buy books for library programs. Free shipping on orders of $35 or more in books. https://bit.ly/4wqT1Ue

05/19/2026

What is the Scholastic eWallet? Contributions to FOML’s eWallet will be spent on books to be distributed across all participating charities including Children’s Crisis Center, LearningQuest – Family Literacy Program, HAVEN and others. Add to the FOML eWallet through May 26 at https://bit.ly/3RAKs9i. The Scholastic Online Book Fair continues through May 27.

Will you fund my favorite books and support MODESTO PUBLIC LIBRARY?

05/15/2026

FOML’s Scholastic Book Fair continues through May 27 FOML’s Scholastic ONLINE Book Fair continues through May 27 at https://bit.ly/4wqT1Ue . While you’re shopping for books for yourself, consider contributing to the FOML eWallet, which provides books for local partners including Hutton House, Parent Resource Center, Red Shield Community Center, Redwood Family Center and more. https://bit.ly/3RAKs9i Thank you for helping get MORE BOOKS in the hands of MORE KIDS!