Support the Library

Overview

Support the Library

The Carmel Public Library benefits from the combination of the Carmel Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Carmel Public Library, Library Board of Trustees and donors and volunteers like you!

Through your support, the library is able to provide programming for all ages, enrich our collections and furnish our facilities.  Here are some ways that you can support your library: 

  • Donate to the Carmel Public Library Foundation or serve on the Board of Directors. Though the Library is a department of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, we receive only a portion of our funding from the City. Through the gifts, donations and bequests of its members, Carmel Public Library Foundation provides the majority of funds for all of the books, materials, programs and services of the Library.

  • Volunteer for the Friends of Harrison Memorial Library (FHML). The Friends is a 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to our library programs. Fill out a Friends of the Library Membership Application, and send it and $15.00 in dues to: Friends of Harrison Memorial Library, C/O Treasurer, P.O. Box 87, Carmel, CA 93921. Consider volunteering in the book room or serving on the Friends Board. Email Friends President Barbara Darrah for more information.
  • Friends of Harrison Memorial Library 50th & Final Annual Friends Book Sale.  After this year’s sale, the Friends will transition to year-round book sales.  The sale will be held July 13, 2023, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (Member’s Presale – join at the door), and July 14, 15, 2023 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Carmel Youth Center, Fourth Avenue and Torres Street behind the Carmel Police Department. Free parking at Vista Lobos between Third and Fourth Avenue. It is an event not to be missed for bibliophiles. Net proceeds from the sale go to the Library. 

    • Book Room Donations. The FHML is now accepting donations on Tuesdays between 10 am and 12 noon through June 7 at which time they will close down the book room and stop accepting donations to prepare for the annual book sale. The book room will re-open on September 6. Check out their guidelines on what kinds of books they will accept before you head over. Please be aware that they cannot accept more than ten boxes of clean and unmarked books at any time. For larger donations please call Anne (625 3418) or Barbara  (649 3712) to arrange for special deliveries. The Book Room is located at Sunset Center off of 10th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos Streets. 

  • Serve on the Board of Trustees. Meetings are open to the public and are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 9:00 a.m.in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located on Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues. Members are appointed by the Mayor and Vice-mayor. Contact the City Clerk via email or (831) 620-2016 for more information.