Friends of Shasta County Libraries

Mission Statement:

The Friends of Shasta County Libraries (FOSCL) promotes, supports, and enhances Shasta County's Library programs, resources and partnerships with the community.

More About Us:

We are a grassroots organization entirely composed of volunteers. We have no paid employees; operational expenses include printing and mailing a quarterly newsletter, liability insurance, website, CPA firm, and miscellaneous expenses. All other funds directly support Redding, Anderson, and Burney Libraries. Current funding for FY 2025-26 includes Summer Reading $10,000; Adult Programs $4,000; Adult Overdrive $4500; Adult Outreach Programing $5,000.  Outreach Programing Teens Programs ages 13-18 years $3,000; Youth Services: Youth Programing ages 0-12 years $17,000; Youth books and audiobooks $13,000; Youth Overdrive $4,000; DVDS $1,000; Discretionary Funds $2,000. 

This year we are funding the the Summer Reading program for $10,000. This allows the libraries to continue the quality of the programs provided and increase the number of participants. The Shasta County Libraries provide opportunities for everyone in Shasta County, from the poorest to the wealthiest, and the youngest to the oldest, to participate in the materials and programs offered to the public. The Summer Reading Program is an excellent example of how the library benefits the entire population of Shasta County. It encourages parents to read to their preschool children and their older children. Students who participate read books throughout the summer, which helps them maintain their reading proficiency, thus making them better prepared for the new school year. 

           

This year's Library Summer Reading Program had 6,191 attendees for 203 programs at all three branches. They gave away 498 Books as prizes for children. 261 Medals given for kids. 861,900 minutes read (teen and under). 1,789 minutes read by adults. All of the Summer Reading and prizes, programs, and other resources are funded and provided by FOSCL.  

Our ability to raise funds this FY is significantly impacted by the Redding Library's renovation to install new flooring and carpeting throughout the library which resulted in the closure of our Redding Library Bookstore and the cancellation of our first Saturday of the month book sale in the Community Room.  As of now it is anticipated that we will have a loss of approximately $30,000 by the end of December.  This will result in tremendous decrease in funding for programs in the next FY!  FOSCL has contributed over 1.4 million dollars since 1979.  Our funds are from membership, Bookstore and Patio Book Sales, Giving Tuesday, Adopt-A-Book, and donations. The amount raised steadily decreases year by year.  For example, in 2010, the Bookstore projected sales of $72,000 in FY 2025 the total amount was $36,906.

Giving Tuesday Goal:

Is to raise $10,000.00 for the Summer Reading Program.