The Friends of the J. Paul Leonard Library (FOL) is a nonprofit affiliate of the University organized to promote community support for the SFSU Library. Since the organization's beginning in 1980, the Friends have raised funds to support the Library's acquisitions and programs.
To find current hours for the Friends of the Library Used Book & Media Store, visit the Library hours page.
Purpose
The Friends organization:
- Raises money to assist the Library, in large part by operating the Used Book & Media Store
- Supports the Library and the services and experiences it offers
- Helps to build the Library’s collections and access to resources
- Sponsors special events, programs, and improvements in facilities
- Promotes the love of books and reading
Used Book & Media Store
The FOL Used Book & Media Store is located in LIB 120A on the first floor. The booksale room offers used books, recordings, art prints, DVDs, and more. A few books are superseded volumes or castoffs from the Library, but most are donated by friends and colleagues.
During fall and spring semesters, the booksale room is staffed by volunteers Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (see Library hours).
Donations of books, records, DVDs, and CDs are welcomed and may be tax deductible. Please call (415) 338-6262 or email fol@sfsu.edu to arrange a donation pickup. You may also arrange in advance to bring your donation to the Library's loading dock. A volunteer will be at the door to receive your donation.
Volunteer for FOL
We welcome new volunteers. Drop by the Used Book & Media Store to pick up an application!
Other Activities
Fundraising and Donations
The Friends solicit funds for Library services, programs, and acquisitions that are not normally included in the Library’s budget. Funds are raised by pursuing gifts and donations and by operating the Used Book and Media Store in LIB 120A.
Please consider making a gift to help ensure that the Library is operating at maximum capacity to serve our community. For more information about planned giving, please visit the Office of University Development Planned Giving page or contact SFSU's director of planned giving at (415) 338-7460.
Promoting the Use of Libraries and the Love of Books
The Friends promote:
- Use of libraries
- Love of books
- Book reading
- Book collecting
- Use of non-book materials
Watch for announcements of special events in the Friends’ Facebook page
Honoring and Memorializing Members of the Community
The Friends provide opportunities for honoring or memorializing members of the SF State community through the purchase of books and other library materials. The donor or honoree may be recognized by book plates or other inscriptions. Contact the communications director at fol@sfsu.edu for more information.
Awarding Scholarships
Each year, up to five students who work at the Library or volunteer with FOL are chosen as recipients of the Robert E. Collins Endowed Scholarship, a $2,000 award. Learn more about the Robert E. Collins Endowed Scholarship.
Projects funded by the Friends
- Friends of the Library Faculty/Graduate Reading Room
- Acquisition of books not covered by regular funds
- Start-up funding for collections for new academic programs
- Establishment of the Bay Area TV News Archive
- Acquisition of videotapes in art and dance
- CD-ROM workstations
- Development opportunities for Library staff
- New tables and chairs in study areas
- De Bellis Collection
- Book giveaway program for young students enrolled in Gator Summer Camp
- Robert E. Collins Endowed Scholarships for student employees of the Library and FOL student volunteers
- Outreach exhibits and events
- Family Study Room and Kid Kits for parenting students and their children