About Us

The Friends of the Macon County Public Library, Inc. (FOL) was formed in 1971. This nonprofit organization is for members who share the belief that residents should support their public library system in many different ways. Anyone is eligible to become a member. Please go to our page Be Involved to learn more about how you can make a difference.

The Macon County FOL has long been a driving force among community fundraising efforts in support of the Macon County Public Library, raising in excess of $1 million in order to furnish and equip the library located at 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. Macon County’s Friends organization is part of the state and national Friends of the Library network.

Macon County FOL raises money for the library by operating a full-time volunteer-run used book store located on Highlands Road in Franklin. The bookstore carries a wide range of used books, magazines, records, puzzles, games and other items which are donated by generous Macon County residents and visitors. Please see our Bookstore page for more information on current items and upcoming sales.

What The Friends Do

Sponsor Programs & Events

We provide funds for the library to offer a wide variety of public programs. For children: Summer reading activities & reading clubs, preschool & toddler story times, year round programs on animals, crafts, music, nature, poetry, theatre, and writing. For adults & families: Family films, new releases, foreign films & classics, concerts, community jams, hobby and craft workshops, cultural heritage & diversity programs.

Purchase Library Materials

We raise money for the purchase of books, books on CD, DVDs and magazines. The bestseller rental program provides more copies of popular books, and Friends for Life & A Decade of Books programs buy new books in honor of life members.

Volunteer

There are opportunities at both our Used Book Store and the Macon County Public Library. Our volunteers give thousands of hours of service every year at the Bookstore and at the Library.

Strengthen the Community

We develop & maintain citizen interest and participation in the growth of the Library County Fair Booth, Town of Franklin’s Appalachian Trail Conservancy Community, Chamber of Commerce Membership, Red Cross Blood Drive.

Advocate for the Library

We work to increase the visibility and use of the library as a vital part of the community. We support Library Legislative Day to secure state funding for libraries; contact local elected officials to secure local funding; work with civic and community groups.

Connect to the Online World

We help the library keep its technology equipment up-to-date with matching funds for technology grants like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants.