TPL Friends of the Library and the FOL Bookstore

Follow Friends of the Library and FOL Bookstore:
Facebook – Friends of The Library Bookstore
Instagram @TPLFriendsOfTheLibrary

Friends of the Library (FOL) is dedicated to supporting the Tuscaloosa Public Library’s,
mission to serve as a cornerstone of community enrichment and enlightenment. The
Friends of the Library is focused on providing crucial funding for the library with the
organization’s primary fundraising mechanism being its Bookstore.
What started as a modest monthly sale out the library’s garage has evolved into
Tuscaloosa’s premier used bookstore, brimming with a diverse selection of books,
including children’s titles, magazines, CDs, DVDs, records, and more. The Bookstore’s
inventory includes recent bestsellers as well as classics and a little of everything in
between.

Over the past decade the Friends of the Library has contributed an average of $90,000
per year to the Library, setting a new record of over $100,000 in sales during the 2023-
24 (Oct.-Sept.) fiscal year. Over the past dozen years, FOL has generated over $1
million for the library, making good on its overarching mission to support and enhance
TPL’s offerings.

The entrance to the FOL Bookstore is located at the left back corner of the Tuscaloosa
Public Library on Jack Warner Parkway. There is no entry from inside the library.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the shelves are stocked daily with newly arrived inventory
that comes from materials donated by the West Alabama community. The FOL
Bookstore offers a wide variety of items at unbeatable prices. Books primarily range
from $1-4 while children’s books are 50 cents.

The FOL Bookstore is Tuscaloosa’s No. 1 for donating gently used books, magazines
and other media. The West Alabama and University of Alabama communities can join in
The Friends of the Library’s on-going mission to bolster the Tuscaloosa Public Library
by shopping at and donating to the FOL Bookstore.

All sales are cash or check only. No credit or debit cards accepted.

Friends of the Library Bookstore hours of operation:

Sunday & Monday – Closed

Tuesday          10AM – 4PM

Wednesday     10AM – 4PM

Thursday         10AM – 4PM

Friday              12PM – 3PM

Saturday          10AM – 1PM

The bookstore observes the same holiday and weather-related closings as the
Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Donations of books, magazines, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc. are accepted
whenever the FOL Bookstore is open and there are two book drops located by the
bookstore entrance for after-hour donations.

How do I become a member of the Friends of the Library?

  • The Friends of the Library’s major source of fundraising for the Tuscaloosa Public Library is the FOL Bookstore, however annual membership dues as well as monetary donations help boost the organization’s efforts.
  • Annual Membership Dues are $30. Members are entitled to twelve free items each year at the FOL Bookstore (excluding specially priced items).
  • Friends of the Library Membership Application
    • To join the Friends or make a special donation come by the bookstore or send a check payable to Friends of the Library to: Friends of the Tuscaloosa Public Library 1801 Jack Warner Parkway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
    • Please note on the check if it is for membership, honorarium or memorial.
  • In addition to 12 free items a year, FOL members receive invitations to exclusive events and early access to book sales

How can I volunteer with Friends of the Library?

  • Interested individuals can apply to volunteer with Friends of the Library through the TPL website (www.tuscaloosa-library.org) or by coming by the FOL Bookstore during regular store hours.
  • Volunteer opportunities include helping with book sales, organizing events and helping sort and shelve inventory in the FOL Bookstore.

Bookstore phone number – (205) 722-5208