Run by Volunteers
FOCPL has no paid staff or office. Necessary expenses include insurance, payment processing, software, book-sale supplies, and other basic costs of running the organization. Everything else supports the library and the volunteer work that makes that support possible.
Needs-Driven Support
Each year, funding decisions are made in conversation with OCPL leadership so support goes where the need is greatest and the community benefit is highest.
Supplemental by Design
Friends funding adds to, not replaces, county funding. We support programs, equipment, training, and other needs beyond the library's core public budget.
Follow Your Dollar
Tap or hover over any source or destination to see what it includes. Every dollar raised lands somewhere, including reserves for future needs.
Public Library
Percentages on both sides are shares of the $20,403 raised in 2025, so the two columns add up to the same whole. Funds not spent during the year remained available for future library commitments, campaign timing, and the organization’s operating stability.
2025 at a Glance
What Friends Support Makes Possible
Examples of library programs, equipment, and services supported by the Friends over time. Needs and funding vary from year to year.
Summer Reading
$7,480 granted in 2025FOCPL funds the Summer Reading Kickoff event, sponsors performers and special programming, and provides the reading incentive prizes that keep kids coming back all summer.
Spaces & Equipment
Furniture, shelving, display fixtures, signage, and equipment the county budget can't stretch to cover. These are the upgrades patrons notice every visit.
Children's & Teen Programs
Story times, STEM workshops, craft activities, teen events, and author visits, programs that make the library a place children and families want to return to again and again. FOCPL helps cover materials, performer fees, and program supplies.
Technology & Digital Access
Patron-use computers, tablets, hotspot lending, digital resource subscriptions, and the tech accessories that keep devices working for everyone. FOCPL helps close the digital divide by keeping library technology current and accessible.
Community Events & Spaces
Author talks, community conversations, cultural programs, and the furniture, signage, and space improvements that make the library welcoming to everyone. These grants help OCPL go beyond the basics to create a true community hub.
Accountability & Transparency
FOCPL is a 501(c)(3) public charity. We file required federal and state reports, publish annual financial summaries, and make our federal tax filings available on request.
Funding decisions are made in direct conversation with OCPL leadership, recorded in our financial and project records, and reviewed by the Friends' board.
Ready to help fund what comes next? Join the Friends or make a gift.
About These Numbers
Figures come from FOCPL’s 2025 profit-and-loss statement and have been grouped into broader public-facing categories. Percentages may differ slightly because of rounding. All figures are cash-basis: money actually received and spent during the year.
- In our books, membership dues and donations are recorded as a single combined line, so they appear together here.
- Operations & Fundraising includes insurance, sales tax, payment processing, membership and volunteer software, the website, book-sale supplies, and organizational memberships (the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce and NC Friends of the Library).
- Staff & Volunteer Appreciation includes staff-recognition events at both branches and appreciation for the volunteers who run our sales and events.
- Funds not spent during the year remain in the Friends’ reserves, available for future library commitments and operating stability.
- Funding needs vary by year; 2024, for example, included the Bookwalk and youth-furniture grants.
Complete line items are on the Financials page.
