The Friends of the Dothan-Houston County Library approved a donation of $63,000 to the library system last week in support of a wide range of library projects and initiatives. These funds will supplement the library’s operating budget for collections, resources, services, and programs that benefit residents of all ages throughout Dothan and Houston County.
The Friends raised these funds throughout 2024 through the Big Book Sales in the spring and late summer, ongoing “mini book sales” at each DHCLS location, and memberships. The Friends also raised funds through their new bookstore, located at 1314 Westgate Parkway.
This year’s donation represents the largest annual gift to DHCLS in the history of the Friends and an increase of $5,000 over last year’s donation. Since 2017, the Friends have donated more than $350,000 to the Dothan Houston County Library System.
Additionally, the Friends collectively volunteered for a total of nearly 5,000 hours in 2024, which would be equivalent to $149,100 of services provided on behalf of the Friends and the library system.
The Friends of DHCLS support the library system financially, through advocacy, and through volunteer services. Membership donations and book sale income are donated directly back to DHCLS for specific requests and operational expenses.
More information about the Friends, including an online membership form, donation guidelines, and details about the bookstore, can be found at www.dhcls.org/friends.
Established in 1949, DHCLS today serves a population of more than 108,000 residents through its main library, two branches, a bookmobile, and an extensive selection of ebooks and digital resources. In FY 2024, DHCLS welcomed over 294,000 visitors, and DHCLS patrons borrowed over 204,000 items, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, and ebooks. DHCLS offers a variety of innovative services, such as the Library of Things, a Seed Library, and Story Walks at Kiwanis Park and Walton Park. The library also offers programs for children, teens, and adults, ranging from story times, craft programs, technology help, and job search assistance.
