ABOUT THE FRIENDS
Founded in the early 1970s, the Friends of the West Hollywood Library provide support to maintain the Library as West Hollywood’s centerpiece.
The funds we raise provide additional support for needs that are beyond the Library’s budget, including:
Building a castle during multi-generational STEAM event
Additional Summer Reading and Summer Discovery programs
Early Childhood Literacy programs and materials
STEAM learning tools and programs
Lectures and workshops
Film screenings
Expanded collections
Cultural events
Facility improvements and equipment purchases
In addition to providing support for the Library, we present critically acclaimed programs including:
Patt Morrison in conversation with Larry Mantel presented by WeHoFOL
Authors in conversation
Solo shows
Dance troupe performances
Hands-on creative workshops
Each October the Friends sponsor a celebration to honor the Library’s birthday.
In 2022, the Friends were presented with a proclamation from the City of West Hollywood recognizing ten years of service to the community in the bookstore.
The Friends are active members of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and received the West Hollywood Creative City Community Service Award in 2018.
In 2019 the Friends received the Literary Partnership Award from the Jacaranda Foundation for our support of libraries in Malawi serving AIDS orphans.
The Friends work closely with the City’s Arts Division to provide valuable programs to the residents including supporting WeHo Reads and National Poetry Month. The Friends also support West Hollywood Community events including National Night Out. We donate materials to community partners including:
Little Free Libraries
Senior Center in Plummer Park Community Center
Books for foster children supporting the work of the Assistance League
Resources for the Youth LGBT Center
Hospice, veterans groups, food pantries, and homeless women and children shelters
In addition to the WeHoFOL website, Facebook and Instagram, the Friends publish “Among Friends,” a semi-annual newsletter, and maintain a mailing list to share information about upcoming events and sales.
Funds are raised through tax-deductible contributions, memberships, bookstore revenue, and online sales.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda Demmers, President is a Los Angeles based library planning consultant. Formerly a library director in New England, she established her practice in California 30 years ago. Recent library projects have included Manhattan Beach, Costa Mesa, Beverly Hills Children's Library, Walnut Creek, Newhall Ranch, Quartz Hill, and one of her favorites, the West Hollywood Library. She was President of the Los Feliz Neighborhood Council for six years and past Chair of the Board of The Oaks School. Linda is passionate about books and libraries. You can find her in the Friends’ bookstore most Saturdays stocking the shelves and recommending good books.
Barbara Meltzer, Vice President is the Founder of Barbara Meltzer & Associates PR. A longtime resident of West Hollywood, Barbara serves on the City’s Human Services Commission and is very involved with its Aging in Place: Aging in Community Initiative. Also a Commissioner on the LA County Commission for Older Adults, Barbara is passionate about the importance of lifelong learning and believes libraries are key to this endeavor.
Leah Gordon, Corresponding Secretary is a global advertising and marketing leader, representing the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, ContentAsia and others. When not working or traveling (with a "stack" of books on her ipad), you can find her at home in West Hollywood curled up with a book and her dog. Actually, Leah's infatuation with books and dogs led her to discover Friends (the Friends' bookstore is situated between the WH Dog Park and parking structure) and she has been active ever since.
Libbie Chase, Recording Secretary is a Special Education Attorney who lives and works in West Hollywood. She believes the West Hollywood Library is a vital part of the community and has been active in promoting a collaboration between the Library and West Hollywood Elementary School. Libbie lives near the Library with her teenage son and two cats.
Library Manager Matt Gill leads the FOL on a tour.
Friends' 6th birthday present to the Library
A special cake to celebrate the Library's 5th birthday