Friends of the Fresno County Public Library

@fresnofol.bsky.social

Serving as a link between the community and the Fresno County Public Library. Our bookshop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM at 5568 E Kings Canyon in Fresno, CA.

For more info or to join or donate: linktr.ee/fresnofol

@fresnoland.bsky.social Sep 21, 2026, 12:06 PMReposted by @fresnofol.bsky.social

Privatizing Fresno County’s library is an uphill fight and it doesn’t have the votes — yet

Conversations around privatizing Fresno County libraries are heating up, and while potential cost savings and…

https://fresnoland.org/2026/09/21/privatizing-fresno-countys-library-is-an-uphill-fight/

@fresnofol.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 8:55 PM

Wondering why keeping the Fresno County Public Library public matters?

A few reasons to keep our libraries public:

1. Accountability: Public libraries are accountable to the public for the money they spend and the manner in which they operate. Private companies aren't, which means less transparency.

2. "Savings": The entirety of library operations-- except for the County Librarian's salary and benefits-- are paid for by Measure B and property taxes. The statement that the Library is the source of the County's financial issues is false.

3. SJVLS: The San Joaquin Valley Library System serves seven Central Valley counties and ten library districts and relies upon Fresno for many of its services and resources. Privatization would be a massive blow to literacy across the Valley.

4. Labor concerns: Library Systems and Services, the corporation that would be in charge of a privatized library, was fined almost $70,000 for wage and hour violations in 2017. They often prioritize low-wage hiring and don't offer benefits that attract qualified library professionals.

While the city saves a pittance, the privatizers cut services to the community and cut benefits to those who provide those services. The more ruthless they are, the more public money they get to take out of the county, and even the state.

Ways to help:

Contact your Supervisor:
You can write to your Supervisor at 2281 Tulare Street #301, Fresno, CA 93721.

All Supervisor emails follow this convention:

DistrictX@fresnocountyca.gov

All Supervisor phone numbers follow this convention:

559-600-X000

Spread the Word:
You can follow @fresnofol on Facebook and Instagram for updates and share them with your loved ones!

Additionally, consider writing letters to the editor of your favorite local paper to let them know why you value public libraries! Many people are unaware that this conversation is even happening, so we need to widen our reach!

Get a Library Card:
Higher numbers of cardholders and higher circulation send a message to local government that Fresno County values its libraries. Plus, there are tons of resources available to you and your family at no cost besides what you’ve already paid in taxes!

In addition to books, you can access streaming music, TV, and movies; citizenship resources; newspapers; State Parks passes; and more!

Attend a meeting:
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors meets twice a month on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM. This is where decisions about Fresno County are made, typically while many people are at work or school.

Familiarize yourself with how your local governmant works! There’s always time for public comment.

Scan the code or visit fresnofol.org/privatization for more information.

@fresnofol.bsky.social Sep 4, 2026, 10:22 PM

It's Library Card Sign Up Month! If you don't have a card, or if yours has expired, make sure to swing by your local branch and get one!

Plus: this month only, there's a limited-edition Fresno Nightcrawler card! If you want one, act fast!

For more info: www.fresnolibrary.org/card/index.h...

@fresnofol.bsky.social Sep 4, 2026, 10:16 PM

We're back with more anti-privatization talking points! Will privatization save money?

Anti-Privatization Talking Points: Volume 2

Will privatization save money?

Library privatization has hidden and uncontrolled costs and may not save money in the long run.

Like all contracts, privatization contracts for the public library must be written carefully. For example:

• Administrative costs and other fees should be clearly stated.
• The contract should address capital improvement and replacements.
• Does the company takes a percentage of any grants received?
• Who is responsible for the administrative errors and associated penalties?

Additionally, the Fresno County Public Library is currently funded by Measure B, a 1/8th of 1 cent tax. This tax will be up for renewal in 2028, but without it, the County would be on the hook for 100% of the Library’s operational costs. (Currently, all but the County Librarian's salary is funded by Measure B and property taxes.)

@mysteryrat.bsky.social Sep 1, 2026, 5:32 PMReposted by @fresnofol.bsky.social

Just a reminder that there will be a letter writing party in Reedley at the Peace Center this Friday evening to write letters to the Board of Supervisors opposing the idea of privatizing our libraries. Hope to see some of you there! #Reedley #Saveourlibraries @fresnofol.bsky.social

@fresnofol.bsky.social Aug 21, 2026, 7:04 PM

Because the subject of library privatization is so new to so many people, and because there are so many questions about it, we're going to be sharing our talking points! Point 1: There are certain community services that should be held public.

Anti-Privatization Talking Points: Volume 1

There are certain community services that should be held public.

Public libraries provide access to an infinite array of ideas both present and past, our world’s history, our literary heritage, and learning resources for people of all ages.

Public libraries provide this access to all who use them without regard to means or background. Without access to these technologies, the digital divide grows deeper; more people are left further behind, and the gap between the “haves” and “have nots” grows deeper.

Public libraries are accountable to the public for the money they spend and the way they operate. They are governed by officials who answer to voters. Private companies answer to the need to make a profit and not to the public.

Accountability will not be available under a private company, which shields its profits from public view. Use of public funds should be transparent.

@mysteryrat.bsky.social Aug 17, 2026, 4:00 PMReposted by @fresnofol.bsky.social

Up on KRL this week some end of summer, early fall, suggestions for family fun in the area kingsriverlife.com/08/15/second... #FresnoCounty #familyfun #library #parks @fresnofol.bsky.social

@fresnofol.bsky.social Aug 11, 2026, 7:23 PM

Our friend Lauren (chunsofunn on Instagram) spent a day at a couple of Fresno County libraries and made an excellent reel about it! There are so many cool programs, services, and resources to discover!

instagram.comLauren on Instagram: "I spent a full day exploring the Fresno County libraries and here’s all the things I got…for FREE! 1. A free one hour yoga class at Woodward Park Regional Library on East Perri...chunsofunn on August 10, 2026: "I spent a full day exploring the Fresno County libraries and here’s all the things I got…for FREE! 1. A free one hour yoga class at Woodward Park Regional Library on ...

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jul 31, 2026, 9:48 PM

If you're interested in helping us fight the privatization of the FCPL, join our Anti-Privatization Committee email list. News, action items, and volunteer opportunities will be shared there as they arise (and will then be shared with our wider email lists and on our socials as appropriate).

lp.constantcontactpages.comHelp us fight privatization!We believe that the Fresno County Public Library should remain public!

@mysteryrat.bsky.social Jul 27, 2026, 4:31 PMReposted by @fresnofol.bsky.social

An article about the @fresnofol.bsky.social. It not only talks about the wonderful things they do to support our local #libraries, but also their efforts to defend it--including some info on the County BOS attempt to privatize the library kingsriverlife.com/07/25/friend... @fresnofol.bsky.social 💙📚

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jul 2, 2026, 9:04 PM

Heads up, Bookshop customers: we'll be closed this Saturday, July 4! Don't forget that all Fresno County Public Library branches will be closed Friday and Saturday for the holiday. We'll be back on Tuesday morning! 5568 E Kings Canyon Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 9 AM to 12 PM

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jun 30, 2026, 6:15 PM

Our President is quoted in this article and we'll be monitoring the situation very closely as we develop our game plan for ensuring that our libraries remain publicly-owned.

Fresnoland@fresnoland.bsky.socialJun 26, 2026, 2:01 PM

Amid years-long culture war, Fresno County looks at privatizing its libraries It all started, like many skirmishes in Fresno, with a Facebook post. And now, after three years of… https://fresnoland.org/2026/06/26/amid-years-long-culture-war-fresno-county-looks-at-privatizing-its-libraries/

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jun 25, 2026, 8:14 PM

lithub.comWhy the Hell Would You Want to Privatize Libraries?In the pages of the New York Review of Books, author Sue Halpern recalled her time in a “remote mountain town” that was large in area but small in population and had never had a public library. The…

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jun 16, 2026, 10:32 PM

Fresno County: Summer At Your Library has begun! Click the link below to sign up for the reading challenge and find out about all the cool, free programs and activities available for kids, teens, and even adults! Summer At Your Library runs from June 15 to August 2.

fresnolibrary.orgFresno County Public LibraryWebsite of the Fresno County Public Library

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jun 5, 2026, 7:13 PM

See you tomorrow, Fresno! We'll be at booth 101, near the Children's Area and face painting!

Friends of the Fresno County Public Library@fresnofol.bsky.socialJun 1, 2026, 9:22 PM

Pride is this Saturday! We'll be joined by Womxn 2 Womxn for a bookmark craft and will have membership brochures, library card applications, info on library resources, summer program calendars, and stickers! Fresno Rainbow Pride Saturday, June 6 11-4 Fresno City College $5 entry, parking is free

Text in two shades of blue reads, "Find us at Pride!" The background is a mostly-transparent photo of a colorful bookshelf. In the foreground is a photo of two volunteers at a Friends of the Fresno County Public Library table at Fresno EOC's Illuminate Our Pride event a couple years ago. There are rainbow flags all over the table. At the bottom of the image is a torn piece of blue paper with white text over it that reads, "Membership info, Summer At Your Library calendars, stickers, library card applications, info on library resources, make your own bookmark."

@fresnofol.bsky.social Jun 1, 2026, 9:22 PM

@fresnofol.bsky.social May 19, 2026, 9:43 PM

Supporting the Fresno County Public Library and acting as a bridge between the Library and the community is what we do. We'll see you at Pride.

We support the Fresno County Public Library, its staff, and the decisions they make. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist.

From our Bylaws:

The specific purpose of this corporation is to foster interest in the Fresno County Public Library, to promote its welfare, and to address those of its needs that are not being met through normal government funding channels. Consistent with the foregoing purposes the activities of this Corporation shall include, but are not limited to, emergency fundraising, the provision of volunteer assistance to the Fresno County Library staff, the solicitation of funds for special Fresno County Public Library projects, and the provision of a receptacle for those individuals and organizations wishing to help the Fresno County Public Library through donations, endowments, and bequests.

Additionally, it is the mission of the corporation to support the Fresno County Public Library (the “Library”) through advocacy, public awareness, and fundraising to promote literacy and lifelong learning. The corporation shall carry out this mission through acts in furtherance of its purpose, including but not limited to, the following:

(a) To work, in cooperation with the County Librarian and staff, in support of the Library.

(b) To assist in the development, promotion, and completion of library services, facilities, and programs.

(c) To act as a liaison between the community and the Library.

(d) To increase public awareness and stimulate the use of the Library’s resources.

(e) Working with the County Librarian and staff, the activities of the corporation may include sponsorship of special projects; informing the public of the resources and services of the Library; advocating on behalf of the Library when necessary; securing equipment and services that are beyond the command of the ordinary library budget; and performing other services deemed helpful to the Library.

Friends support libraries.

@fresnofol.bsky.social May 19, 2026, 9:41 PM

It gets proposed a lot, but we'd be happy to keep letting the library know people would be interested in seeing their savings!

@fresnofol.bsky.social Apr 8, 2026, 6:42 PM

This event will feature: • Bilingual storytime • Live music by Scats on the Sly • Kids craft • Friends of the Library Book Sale • Free tote bags for the first 150 guests • Information from Literacy Services and the League of Mexican American Women • Cake and refreshments

@fresnofol.bsky.social Apr 8, 2026, 6:42 PM

Come celebrate 10 wonderful years of books, community, and connection at Betty Rodriguez Regional Library. Bring the family, bring a friend, and stay for the fun. Saturday, April 11, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Betty Rodriguez Regional Library 3040 N Cedar Ave, (Cedar & Shields) 559-600-9240

Betty Rodriguez Regional Library 10 Year Anniversary
Betty Rodriguez Library
3040 N Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93703

Saturday, April 11
1 PM to 4 PM

Come join the celebration of ten years of our wonderful library! There will be music, a book sale, crafts and food. Let's celebrate and honor a vital part of our local community.

At the bottom of the flyer are logos for the County of Fresno, the Fresno County Public Library, and the Friends of the Fresno County Public Library, as well as the Library's phone number (559-600-9245) and website (fresnolibrary.org).

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