Join our dedicated volunteers

Enhancing Our Community Through Literacy

Who We Are

The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library is an independent, nonprofit organization of civic-minded volunteers. We support the Jefferson Parish Library by promoting library awareness, providing needed unbudgeted items for all its branches through fundraising, and participating in literacy programs. Over the last thirty years the Friends have donated over $1,500,000 to the library system.

We are library users who know what a wonderful resource we have in Jefferson Parish. We believe the library is important. Being a Friend is a satisfying way to show our support.

What We Do

Our major fundraiser is the semiannual Big Book Sale at the Pontchartrain Center. About 100,000 books are for sale each year at amazingly low prices. The books sales, which have become a notable community event, promote literacy by getting affordable books into homes.

We maintain book carts at each library branch where we sell paperbacks for $1.00 apiece all year round. Occasionally, we hold seasonal sales at the store. We also sponsor all the book signings for the library.

How You Can Help

Supporting the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library can take many forms—and every contribution makes a difference. Whether you share your time, your books, or your financial support, become a member, shop our sales, or attend an event, you’re helping strengthen Jefferson Parish libraries and the communities they serve. Explore the many ways you can get involved and help us continue supporting our libraries.

Become a Member

Become a Friend of the Jefferson Public Library and show your support for libraries across the parish. Membership helps fund important programs and resources beyond the library’s operating budget while connecting you to book sales, volunteer opportunities, and special events.

Donate Books or Media

Donate the books you love to support the libraries you value. Contributions of books, records, CDs amd DVDs help the Friends of Jefferson Public Library fund programs and enhancements that benefit the entire library system.

Volunteer

The Friends of Jefferson Library is powered by volunteers who share a passion for books, learning, and community. Whether helping with our bookstore operations, supporting communications, or lending a hand at the popular Big Book Sale, volunteers play a vital role in supporting Jefferson Parish libraries.

Purchase Books & Other Sale Items

From year-round bargains at the Friends’ Store to $1 paperback carts in every branch, affordable reading is always within reach. We also host seasonal sales and support library book signings. Prefer online shopping? Visit our Amazon reseller account for an expanded selection of titles.

Attend Our Annual Big Book Sale

Book lovers won’t want to miss the Friends of Jefferson Library’s Big Book Sale. Held twice a year at the Pontchartrain Center, this popular event features thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and special finds—with proceeds supporting Jefferson Parish libraries.

Make a Financial Donation

Through donations and financial support, the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library help fund literacy programs, special collections, community events, and improvements that enrich every branch. See how your contribution helps make it possible.

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.

Charles Dickens / A Christmas Carol

We read to know we are not alone.

C.S. Lewis

The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.

Leo Tolstoy / What Men Live By

What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?

George Eliot / Middlemarch

Recently Listed eBay Items

Shop the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library’s eBay and Amazon stores to find books and unique treasures at great prices. Every purchase is safe and secure—and every sale helps support the Jefferson Parish Library system by funding resources and enhancements for library branches throughout the parish.

 

Latest News

Congratulations, Jeanne Bee, for Winning the Raffle

Congratulations, Jeanne Bee, for Winning the Raffle

This handcrafted quilt, stitched by members of quilting clubs at various library branches was raffled by the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library at the quilting expo, “Binding Us Together: Quilts and Stories” on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward funding Memory Café gatherings at multiple Jefferson Parish library branches,… Continue reading Congratulations, Jeanne Bee, for Winning the Raffle

Very First Warehouse Sale on the Westbank!

Very First Warehouse Sale on the Westbank!

The West Bank Regional Warehouse sale was held in the atrium of the library on December 3, 2025. A few weeks before the sale Sharon Simmons, Collette Ricaud, Michele Thomassie, Will Hunn and Marie Orth went to WBR to go through books the library had purged. This group was able to get 27 boxes for… Continue reading Very First Warehouse Sale on the Westbank!

Leo Castell and Library Blend Coffee

Leo Castell and Library Blend Coffee

Discover the story behind Library Blend, a unique coffee created to celebrate the Jefferson Public Library’s 75th Anniversary! Spearheaded by Leo Castell, a passionate librarian and former barista, this special blend reflects the diverse community of library patrons. With rich notes of dark chocolate symbolizing maturity and honey representing the joy of youth, Leo meticulously designed both the coffee and its packaging to embody the spirit of the library. Join us as we delve into Leo’s journey from barista to librarian and the creative process behind this delightful brew that brings the community together!