EIN: 54-1384245
Mission Statement
The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) is a volunteer organization established to support our public library system in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to enable a strong, vibrant, engaged community using our libraries as a place to read, learn, work, create, congregate, and share ideas.
Program Summary
Friends of the Arlington Public Library provides funding for 100% of the programming available in the Arlington County Public libraries.
Our largest program is the Summer Reading Program, which draws approximately 6,000 participants. The 2023 Arlington Reads program of author events had 3,000 attendees and this year’s theme was “Get Graphic”, which included “Maus” author Art Spiegelman in one of the biggest Arlington Reads events yet.
We also fund story times, book clubs, crafts and the Central Library maker space.
Impact Statement
Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) provides 100% of the cost of all library programs at the eight libraries in Arlington County. In 2023, we provided $410,000 in support of Arlington’s amazing libraries.
Overall in 2023, the library hosted 4,532 free programs and event welcoming more than 122, 000 people – all supported by FOAL.
Arlington’s public library system is an incredible resource for increasing literacy and strengthening our community. FOAL strives to enhance its capabilities by providing support for collections, events and programs.
What ways can the public get involved?
The public can volunteer at our biannual book sales, donate books and other materials, become a member of FOAL or donate monetarily to FOAL.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
Charitable dollars go to support Arlington Public Libraries collections and programs.
Information provided February 2024