WINTER | FOL NEWSLETTER
2026 ANNUAL MEETING
 
Join Us for the 2026 Friends Annual Meeting & Community Social
 
The Friends of the Mobile Public Library invite you to join us at West Regional Library on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. for our annual event—this year taking the shape of a business meeting followed by a casual meet-and-greet social.
 
While our January gatherings have traditionally featured an author or special guest speaker, we are taking a different approach this year to focus on strengthening our membership base and building deeper community involvement. The event will include a brief business meeting and to share updates on Friends activities, initiatives, and upcoming plans for 2026.
 
Following the meeting, we will host a meet-and-greet where attendees can connect with current Friends members, board representatives, volunteers, and supporters. Our hope is to welcome new faces, grow participation, and spark interest in the many ways individuals can contribute—whether through volunteering, board involvement, or simply spreading awareness of our mission.
 
We look forward to seeing both returning members and interested newcomers at this important annual gathering. Your participation helps strengthen the work we do for the Mobile Public Library system throughout the year.
BOOK SALE 2026
Mark Your Calendar: Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale Returns Spring 2026
 
It’s almost that time again! The Friends of the Mobile Public Library are excited to announce that our Annual Book Sale will return in May 2026, tentatively scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2026 at The Grounds with a special private preview sale for Friends of the Library dues-paying members on Friday, May 1, 2026.
 
This event is not only our largest community gathering each year—it is also our most impactful fundraiser in support of the Mobile Public Library. The proceeds from the Book Sale help us fund vital library initiatives, programming, branch needs, outreach services, and other projects that directly benefit patrons across Mobile County.
 
With tons of books in every category—fiction, non-fiction, children’s, collectibles, cookbooks, history, and more—there’s something for every reader. It’s the perfect opportunity for book lovers to stock up while supporting an important cause.
 
More details will be announced as we get closer to March, but for now, please save the date and help us spread the word about this beloved community tradition.
 
FOL EVENTS
Summer Book Club Trivia Night a Huge Success
 
The Friends of the Library hosted a lively and laughter-filled Book Club Trivia Night, and we’re thrilled to share that the event was a wonderful success. Book clubs from across the community came together for an evening of literary competition, clever team names, and plenty of bookish fun. The room was buzzing with energy as teams battled through rounds of trivia covering classics, banned books, and beloved favorites.
 
We extend our warmest thanks to all participants for bringing their enthusiasm, humor, and love of reading to the event. Your support helps strengthen our mission and builds a vibrant community around our library.
A very special thank you to the Mobile Public Library librarians and staff, whose help and partnership made the event run smoothly. Their dedication and expertise are at the heart of every program we host.
 
We’re already looking forward to the next event and can’t wait to see everyone again for more literary fun and community connection!
 

JOIN THE FRIENDS!
Use our link below to easily renew your FOL membership
!
Follow us on Facebook to RSVP to our upcoming events! 
Follow up on Instagram for updates on the Friends!
 
2026 PROPOSED BUDGET

2026 SLATE OF OFFICERS

OFFICERS
 
President
Diane Roe
 
First Vice President
Madison Nally
 
Second Vice President
Lori Harris
 
Secretary
Co-Secretary Dana Sims
Co-Secretary Raven McShan
 
Treasurer
Judy Wesson
 
 
 DIRECTORS 
 
Lauren Williams
 
We’re looking to add members at large to help in the following areas:
Newsletter
Publicity/Social Media
Book Sale
Writing Contest
Library Board Liaison
Merchandise
Volunteers
Historian
 
JOIN US TODAY!
 

UPCOMING EVENTS
FOL Annual Meeting  
West Regional Library
Thursday, January 15, 2026: 6 PM 
 
 
 
FOL Annual Book Sale
Open To The Public Sale:
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2026
 
Special Preview Sale for Friends of the Library Members:
Friday, May 1, 2026 
For more details or questions, please contact the Friends!
Friends of the Mobile Public Library
P.O. Box 222
Mobile, Alabama 36601
251-545-3366

mobilepubliclibrary.org/friends/