Get Involved

Volunteer & Support

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Sierra Madre Public Library. Whether you engage in volunteer opportunities or get involved with our Friends of the Library or Sierra Madre Library Foundation, there are a variety of opportunities to show your support for the Library. 

Library Volunteer

The Sierra Madre Public Library welcomes volunteers with a passion for helping in the community.

Reasons to Volunteer with the Library

  • Helping and Meeting Members of the Community
  • Gaining Work Experience
  • Learning New Skills
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Fill out an application here.

Friends of the Library

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Who We Are

Volunteers, who feel that libraries are important, have become members of the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library. The group contributes volunteer hours, materials, and money to strengthen Library programs and services. Each year the Friends sponsor a gala wine tasting, noteworthy book sales, and a prestigious art fair.

Mission
The purpose of the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library is to promote community awareness of, support for, and utilization of the high quality programs, services, and facilities of the Sierra Madre Public Library as a lifelong center for learning. The Friends accept the obligation to raise funds so that the cost of the efforts, services, and necessary materials needed for optimal operation of the Library can be met.

Vision
To achieve their mission, the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library will seek to:
-Provide support for the Sierra Madre Public Library’s existing programs and services
-Support additions to the Library’s collections, equipment purchases, and improvements and expansion of facilities
-Encourage membership, participation, and involvement in the Friends by residents of the community served by the Library
-Plan and implement fund-raising activities and events
-Actively seek contributions/endowments/grants from individuals, organizations, foundations, and the public sector

Make a Donation Today!

Your contribution to the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library will help preserve the community’s past and prepare it for the future. We are unable to process donations online but you can mail a check to: Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, Attention: Donations, P.O. Box 334, Sierra Madre, CA 91025. Please make your check payable to: Friends of the Sierra Madre Library. Donations are tax deductible.

The following is a list of some of the ways you can donate:

Mary Tumilty Endowment Fund — Established in 1991 on the occasion of Mary Tumilty’s retirement in recognition of her years of service as Director of Library Services. Funds generated are available for needs at the Library such as acquiring books, maps, computer software, CDs, audio books, programs used for educational purposes and other materials of permanent value and benefit to the Sierra Madre Public Library.

Sommer Library Scholarship Fund — Former Friends’ President John Sommer and his wife Cynthia Hicks established this fund in 1991 to help educate future Library and information professionals. To qualify, students must be accepted into a program that fulfills these goals.

Partners Program — Established in 2009, the Partners support the Library through an annual dues contribution at 3 levels of membership: Partner—$100 or more; Silver—$250 or more; and Gold—$500 or more. Funds generated will be used for select programs or projects that have been requested by the Director of Library Services. A recognition plaque honoring all of our Partners is on display in the main lobby of the Library.

You can also designate any of the Library programs, services or equipment that you feel would benefit the most from your donation. Thank you for your support!

 

Be A Friend

Being a Friend of the Library is a worthwhile experience. The Friends develop and support programs and projects benefiting everyone in the community. Members receive a monthly newsletter and, through volunteering, an opportunity to work with a dedicated group of people.

Become A Member

Whatever your interests and wherever your talents lie, you’re sure to find your niche as a Friend of the Sierra Madre Library. Preserve the community’s past and prepare it for the future. 

JOIN NOW

Become A Volunteer

Please consider volunteering for one of the Friends’ Committees or Fund Raising Events. Click here to fill out our online volunteer application today and let us know what your interests are. We will contact you in the near future.


SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER

For more information visit
sierramadrelibraryfriends.or

Sierra Madre Library Foundation

The Next Chapter Is Another Great Story
Creating a 21st Century Library For Our Community

 

About Sierra Madre Library Foundation

Renovations

The Sierra Madre Library is embarking on a massive renovation to modernize the building through a grant from the state of California.  This grant only covers the structural changes and other renovations to the building itself, but not the furnishings, equipment and other items required for the resources and programs that make it special.  This is where you come in!  The Sierra Madre Library Foundation is raising money to equip the new library with furniture and technology that reflect the 21st century needs of our community.

Our Mission

The Sierra Madre Library Foundation's mission is to provide resources for the Sierra Madre Public Library through fundraising, relationship development, grantsmanship and corporate sponsorships.


Our Vision

The Sierra Madre Library Foundation works with the community and City of Sierra Madre to develop, furnish and equip a library facility that will provide a 21st Century community gathering place to house our library collection, preserve and provide access to our extensive historical archives and continue to provide a vital space for civic engagement for the next 50 years.


Who We Are

The Foundation is made up of volunteers from within the Sierra Madre community who wish to raise support for the many resources the library provides to our community.

Join Sierra Madre Library Foundation in Making a Difference

How Much Do We Need

The budget to fully furnish and equip the renovated Sierra Madre Library is $1.5 million. 


How Much Have We Raised

We are 60% towards reaching the campaign goal, thanks to the substantial contributions of the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, Mary Tumilty Fund and Day Trust.  

We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Sierra Madre, Sierra Madre Community Foundation, Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society, Kiwanis Club of Sierra Madre, and Sierra Madre Civic Club for their collective donations of $20,400 to the Sierra Madre Library Foundation!  

And we appreciate all of the individuals that have already contributed.


When Do We Need It

Renovations to the library are expected to be completed in early 2026.  We are now in the process of initiating orders for the furniture, fixtures and equipment needed to fill the library and make it a strong resource for our community.  We need your help now to raise the remaining funds needed for these items.


Suggested Donation Levels

Sierra Madre Library Foundation is soliciting donations at all levels. Please contact the Foundation for more details.

 

Donations at the following levels will receive individual recognition on a donor wall:

  • Mt Wilson Summit: $300,000
  • Manzanita Ridge: $125,000
  • Orchard Camp: $100,000
  • Jones Peak: $75,000
  • Sturtevant Falls: $50,000
  • Decker Springs: $25,000
  • First Water: $10,000
  • Trailblazer: $5,000
  • Adventurer: $2,500
  • Nature Walker: $1,000

What Will Your Donation Pay For

Funds raised will cover the purchase of all of the furnishings, fixtures and equipment needed in a library including, but not limited to: book shelves, tables, chairs, staff resources, computer and technology resources.  The renovated library will now have dedicated children's and teen's rooms, a maker space, a large community meeting room and a dedicated historical archive.


Nonprofit Giving

Sierra Madre Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization; federal tax ID 83-2315267.  All donations are tax-deductible.  Please consult your tax professional.

For more information visit
https://sierramadrelibraryfoundation.org/

Library Board of Trustees

The responsibilities of the Library Board include the following: establishing Library policies and programs to ensure that quality programs are provided to the community, recommending an annual budget to the City Council for approval, and ensuring that efficient and effective services are provided at the Library.

 Trustee Current Term Began Current Term Ends Term Currently Serving
Leigh Gluck 2022 2026 1st Term
Diane Sands 2022 2026 1st Term
Susan Gallagher 2023 2027 1st Term
Catherine Adde 2025 2029 2nd Term
Laura Palmer 2025 2029 2nd Term

 

Commission Facts
Commissioners do not receive any compensation
4-year term of office
Meets the 4th Monday at 5:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chamber
Council Liaison: Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Council Alternate: Edward Garcia, Council Member
Staff Liaison: Leila Regan, City Librarian

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