Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “there is no friend as loyal as a book.” 

In Collierville, there are no friends as loyal to the Library as the Friends of the Library. 

The story of the Friends started in the early 1950s when a determined group of women from the Collierville Contemporary Club saw the need for a public library. Working with elected officials, recruiting husbands to build bookshelves, and eventually landing in a burger joint turned library near Town Square, these women got the job done. Fast forward to today, the Friends members are now a mix of men and women continuing their mission to support the Library through volunteerism, fundraising, and sponsorship of programs and services. 

On Wednesday, June 5, Library staff treated Friends members to an appreciation luncheon before the group’s monthly meeting. Library Director Lisa Plath shared some statistics about how the group has supported the Library. Since 2005 alone, the Library has benefited from over 152,000 hours of Friends volunteer service, the equivalent of 73 full-time employees. Since 2001, they have donated more than $450,000 to the Library. Those donations have helped buy furnishings for the children’s area and funded the Story Walk around the lake in Halle Park. 

Friends members enjoying the luncheon. 

Reflecting on the library's journey, Lisa also highlighted the significant milestones achieved with the Friends' support, from the humble beginnings of the smell of french fries in the stacks to the current state-of-the-art facility in a beautiful park. As the library prepares for yet another expansion, the contributions of the Friends remain as vital as ever.

Library Director Lisa Plath (left) with Friends members at the June luncheon.

“So, I’m here to thank you for what you have done and what you will continue to do to support the evolution of the Collierville Library for generations to come,” said Lisa. 

As the Collierville Library looks forward to a future filled with promise and growth, the Town is grateful for the Friends of the Collierville Library, whose legacy of dedication ensures that the library remains a cornerstone of the community.
One of the fundraisers the Friends manage continuously is the “Friends Again Bookstore” located in the lobby of the Collierville Library. They offer books at discounted prices, accept donated books, and even give shoppers a free birthday book during their birthday month. The Friends are always looking for new members, and membership is only $20 for the entire year!

For more information about the Friends of the Collierville Library and how to get involved, visit colliervillefriends.org.