The Altadena Library District (ALD) offers a wide array of services and programs to enhance the quality of life for residents. The Main and Branch libraries connect people to information, ideas, learning and entertainment, and the library’s website provides access to library resources around the clock.

The Library District’s primary sources of funding are property taxes and parcel tax. Support from donors and the Friends of the Library organization has enabled ALD to maintain and improve services during times of significant declines in property tax revenues. Services such as the Children’s and Teen Summer Reading Programs, the Children’s Computer Center, special musical and other events, and book collections have been and continue to be donor supported.

ALD needs your continued support and assistance to continue to maintain, enhance and expand our library services for the long term. Here are some of the ways you can help:

Become a member

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit group of book-loving community members who strive to foster a greater realization of the educational and cultural importance of the Library to your community. They work to supplement the Library’s needs for books, materials, equipment and programs through fund-raising services and events, such as the Bookstore and Annual Book Sale. They also sponsor free author talks and book signings, musical events and educational lectures held in the Library’s community Room.

Make a donation to the Friends

Memorial/Honorary Gifts

A gift to the library is a thoughtful way to remember a special person or occasion, or to help build the Library’s collection of materials for public use. A bookplate may be added to each new book to recognize the individual or group for whom your donation is given. An acknowledgement of the gift, which is tax-deductible, will be sent to the honoree or his/her family in accordance with the letter of instructions accompanying the donation.

Donor Advised Gifts (Restricted Gifts)

Donor Advised Gifts are ones given for a specific purpose as defined by the donor. Examples include contributions for the purchase of large-print books, children’s books or special events, computer furniture and equipment, etc.

Endowment Gifts

One of the best ways to make a difference to your Library is to establish an endowed account in your name or a loved one’s name. Endowment accounts are those in which the original gift- or principle- remains perpetually on deposit, earning interest that may fund the purchase of materials, furniture or equipment to benefit library users. The beauty of an endowment gift is that it helps secure the future of the Library by providing support indefinitely. All endowment gifts are administered by the Board of Library Trustees and are named to honor the donor.

Planned Giving

Planned giving usually includes bequests, charitable trusts and donor restricted gifts. With each there is almost always a fair amount of planning based on conditions relevant to each individual donor. For example, assets being considered for the gift may include stocks, real estate, insurance, etc. Planned giving normally requires the donor’s consultation with tax and estate planning advisers. Please know that the Library is grateful for any and all support and that we welcome the opportunity to work with you as you consider a planned gift opportunity.

The library welcomes volunteers. Here are some of the roles you could play:

• Shelf reading: help us keep the books in order!

• Technology Assistant: assist patrons who are new to the computer or the Internet (contact Laureen McCoy 626-798-0833)
• Children's Room volunteers: children ages 10-17 assist with special projects in the Children's Department (contact the Children's Department for an application)

• Teen Advisory Committee: join our teen volunteers on projects and planning programs for teens

• Book Sale support: help the Friends sort donated books for the book sale
  

Be part of the volunteer team and be honored at our Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held in April.

Contact the Library Director’s Office at (626) 798-0833 for more information about how you can volunteer at the library