Welcome to the
Friends of the Atascadero Library est. 1984
We are a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers who care about the library. We keep the bookstore running smoothly and support FOAL and Library activities. FOAL is a 501(c)3 non-profit; your membership is tax-deductable.
Our Mission
The mission of the Friends of the Atascadero Library is to advocate for and support County library services by stimulating increased awareness and appreciation of the resources and services of the library; focusing public attention on the Library and; supporting the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights.
Our Goals
-
To maintain an association of persons interested in securing and maintaining an adequate facility for the Atascadero Library.
-
To stimulate increased awareness and appreciation of the resources and services of the library.
-
To coordinate the efforts of all groups and individuals interested in the library.
-
To promote the greatest possible use of the library.
-
To sponsor and stimulate volunteer services for the library.
-
To sponsor cultural and related programs for the community of Atascadero.
-
To provide a means by which library friends may join to share their enthusiasm for books and libraries.
-
To promote the growth and development of the library's resources through monetary contributions.
-
To promote gifts of books, magazines, and other library materials consistent with the library's collecting interest.
FOAL 2025-26 Activities
-
Distributed books to Atascadero High School & Santa Rosa Academy’s Summer School Lunch Program students
-
Hosted two Theater Camp Cast Parties
-
Assisted staff with Library Card Initiative
-
Co-Sponsored San Miguel Children’s Day in the Park
-
Sponsored Atascadero High School author visit and creative writing workshop (including books for all creative writing students) with local author Kalyn Josephson
-
Co-sponsored author talk with Lucy Jane Bledsoe for Pride
-
Sponsored Author talk by Kathryn Josephson and purchased books for attendees ($400)
-
Participated in Atascadero Pride
-
Provided monthly issues of BookPage to library patrons
-
Provided books to Sunken Gardens Story Time attendees
-
Coordinated Author Katya Cengel’s presentation with AAUW Atascadero
-
Distributed children’s books at Trick or Treat on Entrada
-
Sponsored talk with author Nicholas Belardes ($200)
-
Provided a Scholastic Book Fair book certificate for each Santa Rosa Academy student ($4500)
-
Contributed $22,000 to County’s “The Literacy Project”
-
Purchased numerous copies of Cuesta Book of the Year, Sacrament, for distribution ($670)
-
Purchased 35 copies of The Place to Bee children’s book for attendees of the author talk at
storytime ($350) -
Co-sponsored a Seed Starting workshop with Master Gardeners
-
Co-sponsored a Build a Bug Hotel workshop with Master Gardeners
-
Tabled at Atascadero Chamber May Mixer
-
Replaced Library’s RFID Reader ($6100)
-
Spent $400 in hygiene supplies for Atascadero Library restrooms
Volunteer for FOAL
If you have a few hours to spare and would like to help, please drop us a line. Someone will get back to you Monday through Friday to follow up.
Our Officers and Directors
Co-Presidents
Sharon Turner
Sharon has been a dedicated volunteer and board member of the Friends of the Atascadero Library for many years, including her longtime involvement with Alice's Bookstore. With her wonderfully quirky personality, no-nonsense approach, and knack for keeping everyone on their toes, Sharon brings determination, humor, and an enormous heart to everything she does for FOAL. She cares deeply about the library and its people, and, of course, cats (and dogs, and hens), who we suspect have her very well trained!
Jim Patterson
Jim brings decades of community service and leadership experience to the Friends of the Atascadero Library. A longtime Atascadero resident and former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor, Jim has been actively involved in local civic and nonprofit organizations. As Co-President, he brings a thoughtful, steady approach and a genuine commitment to strengthening the library and the community it serves, helping it remain a welcoming place for readers, learners, and neighbors of all ages.
Vice President - Straith Smith-Zanartu
Recording Secretary - Grenda Ernst
Corresponding Secretary - Judy Cleary
Treasurer - Wenonah O'RourkeBoard
Director at Large and Newsletter - Leigh Livick
Director at Large and Webmaster - Bushra Anjum
Directors at Large - Christina Lefevre Latner, Marguerite Kelly Pulley, Kathy Long, and Alison Watson.
Policies and Procedures
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Click here to view our IRS Form 990.
Click on document name to view:
FOAL Bylaws
FOAL Conflict of Interest Policy
FOAL Investment Policy
FOAL Expense Reimbursement Policy
FOAL Expense Reimbursement Form