Friends of the Fresno County Public Library

At the top of the graphic is a blue Friends of the Fresno County Public Library logo. Below that, bold blue text in all caps reads, "Upcoming sales." Below that is a colorful stack of books with no titles. March 7: Sanger $5 box or bag. Visit the Sanger Depot Museum from 9-3! 10 AM to 2 PM. March 14: Sanger $5 box or bag. Rummage sale from 10-3! 10 AM to 2 PM.

The Sanger Friends of the Library have two upcoming sales, both at the Sanger Branch Library (1812 Seventh Street in Sanger, CA):

Saturday, March 7 from 10 AM to 2 PM: $5 a box or bag.

Saturday, March 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM: $5 a box or bag, plus a rummage sale until 3! (Clearance starts at 2.)

A duotone blue photo of stacks of books with a glowy white square border around some text in the center of the image which reads, "50% off all trades! All trade paperbacks will be 50% off through March 14. Come stock up on some new books to enjoy with the nice weather!" At the top of the image, within the glowy border, is a white Friends of the Fresno County Public Library logo.

All trade paperbacks will be 50% off through March 14! We've got tons to choose from, no matter what you prefer to read!

As always, the Bookshop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM and is located at 5568 E Kings Canyon, next to the Sunnyside Library.

Central Branch Library
2420 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA

Help us clear out our stock! The last day of service at Central is Sunday, February 15. If you'd like your holds to go somewhere besides West Fresno, don't forget to make adjustments in your account!

(Books pictured are not necessarily available; this is an old photo. There are several shelves, carts, and tables to shop from. THIS IS NOT A STAFFED SALE!)

Magazines: FREE
Children's and Paperbacks: $.25
Hardbacks: $.50
DVDs and CDs: $.50
Bundles: priced as marked

A semi-transparent photo of the sale shelves at the Central Branch Library, loaded with books. In the lower right-hand corner, blue text with a shadow in a handwritten-style font reads, "Clearance sale!"

It's not a book sale in the sense you're thinking, but everything on the sale shelves at Central is half off until the branch closes for renovations! There are also some tables up near the book drops, so don't forget to look there on your way back to our sale area!

The project is supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. The project is also funded by voter-approved Measure B, the one-eighth of a cent sales tax in Fresno County dedicated to supporting Fresno County Public Library services.

During the closure, you can also visit nearby locations, including:

• West Fresno Library
• Betty Rodriguez Library
• Mosqueda Branch Library

For more information about this project, please visit our website at: bit.ly/fcpl-projects

What about your holds?

All holds currently set for Central Library will automatically be rerouted to the West Fresno Library. Patrons who prefer a different pickup location can log into their account at fresnolibrary.org to update their preferred branch.

This project will modernize core building systems and ensure the facility can continue serving our community for years to come. The closure is expected to last approximately 18 to 24 months. As with all large construction projects, timelines may shift as work progresses.

A photo of the front of the Central Branch Library in Fresno. It's a big red brick building with three sets of glass double doors. There's a statue and a couple of small trees in front. Text below reads: The Central Library will close for renovations. Our last day of service is 2.15.26. We expect to reopen in 2028. Nearby branches include West Fresno (2.2 miles), Mosqueda (2.8 miles), Betty Rodriguez (4.9 miles), Gillis (5.2 miles), Easton (6.5 miles), Sunnyside (7 miles). Fresno County Public Library: 559.600.7323, fresnolibrary.org.

Central Library in Downtown Fresno Renovation Project
After more than 60 years of service, the Central Library will temporarily close beginning February 15th to undergo a major infrastructure renovation.

This weekend!

Friends of the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library Book Sale 9 AM to 5 PM Friday and Saturday, January 30 and 31 12 to 5 PM Sunday, February 1 Most items priced $1 or less! Please bring cash. Betty Rodriguez Regional Library 3040 N Cedar Ave 600-9245 fresnolibrary.org Books, videos, DVDs, and more will be on sale. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library.

Need some new-to-you books or movies? Come shop the Betty Friends' sale! Most items will be priced $1 or less. Please bring cash!

Fri, Jan 30 and Sat, Jan 31
9 AM-5 PM
Sun, Feb 1
12 PM-5 PM

3040 N Cedar Ave
Fresno, CA

Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2025. An initiative of United for Libraries

It's National Friends of Libraries Week! Let's celebrate the volunteers everywhere who support their libraries and library staff.

Ask your librarian about joining your library's Friends group, or start your own if your library doesn't have one yet. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4nau4Xd.

Multilayered, historical, and deeply personal, this Pulitzer Prize-winning series should be on every to-read list."

A photo of a smiling white woman with long, blonde hair in a dark blue shirt holding a copy of "Maus" by Art Spiegelman. In the background is a wooden fence and some greenery.

Another one of our Friends, Lyndsay McCollum (of the Woodward Park branch chapter), told us about her favorite banned book!

"'Maus' is a powerful graphic novel by Art Spiegelman that recounts the story of his father's survival in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.

Reading banned, challenged, and frequently-censored books opens us up to all kinds of possibilities!

succeeded Leo IV as "John VIII," as mentioned in Hartmann Schedel's "Nuremberg Chronicle" (1493). This book wasn't officially banned, but references to the female pope were often censored or removed. To this day, there remains argument about whether she ever existed or not!

A photo of a collection of books about banned books, displayed in a comfy-looking chair, along with a black t-shirt that says "I'm with the banned" over an illustrated row of classic banned books.

You probably know her primarily as the Tower District Library Advocate, but Friends of the Fresno County Public Library board member Brooke Payton also has quite the collection of books on banned books!

It was through reading A.L. Haight's "Banned Books" that she learned about Pope Joan, who

but also for parents, educators, and allies who want to better understand and support the community.

After reading 'This Book Is Gay,' I donated my copy to the TLC Pride Room with the Cross Cultural and Gender Center at Fresno State."

📷: Victoria Cisneros

identity, and relationships helping readers feel seen, validated, and informed. Second, it breaks down harmful stereotypes with a mix of facts and personal stories, offering education and representation. Finally, its funny, and supportive tone makes it a safe, welcoming resource for LGBTQ+ youth,

2022' (Sept. 24, 2022). The secondary reason was the eye-catching rainbow-themed cover.

Dawson combines humor, honesty, and inclusiveness in a way that makes complex topics around sexuality and gender approachable for everyone. First, it’s an empowering guide that answers real questions about

A picture of a smiling man with brown skin and salt and pepper hair wearing a red Fresno State polo and holding a copy of This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson. He stands against a bright yellow wall. Beneath the photo is a banner that reads "Banned Books Week, Oct. 5-11, 2025. Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. ala.org/bbooks"

We asked some of our Friends to tell us about some banned books they love. Dr. Peter Robertson's pick? "This Book is Gay," by Juno Dawson!

"The primary reason I purchased and read 'This Book Is Gay' by Juno Dawson was due to it being on the Advocate’s '25 LGBTQ+ Books That Are Banned In Schools in

BANNED BOOKS WEEK Oct. 5-11, 2025. Censorship is so 1984 - Read for Your Rights. ala.org/bbooks. American Library Association

Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights.

Today kicks off #BannedBooksWeek, and this year's theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.

https://www.ala.org/bbooks.

Banned Books Week: October 5-11, 2025 Friends of the Fresno County Public Library There are several blue halftone photos of books and blue text that reads, "Fresno reads banned books. Do you have a favorite banned book? Maybe even a few favorites? What do you like about them? Drop a comment and let us know!"

It's #BannedBooksWeek, and we know the freedom to read is important to folks in Fresno County!

Do you have a favorite banned book, or even a few of them? Why are they important to you? Is there a book you were surprised to find out was banned or challenged somewhere? Let us know!

Registration is required, but again, this is a free event! Registering before 9/25 will allow you to be entered into an opportunity drawing for some great prizes!

Kerman Friends of the Library presents: Kerman Cosplay Quest 2025. Cosplayers, vendors, demonstrations, and a costume contest. The event is free, but registration is required. Scan the QR code. Saturday, September 27 10 AM to 4 PM 15101 W Kearney Blvd Kerman, CA Come to learn, share, and ask questions. Curious about cosplay? New to cosplay? Need help to up your cosplay game? Need help with a Halloween costume? This event is for you! Come to learn, share, and ask questions. Information and demonstrations about makeup, hair, wigs, accessories, costumes, fabrics, materials. Our amazing partners: Friends of the Fresno County Public Library, Fresno County Public Library, Kerman Cosplay Quest, KHS SAGES gaming and GSA clubs, Kerman Recreation and Services Department, Kerman Youth Connection. Follow Kerman Cosplay on Instagram @kerman_cosplay and on Facebook: Kerman Cosplay.

The Kerman Friends proudly present: Kerman Cosplay Quest 2025! This is a free event for experienced cosplayers, the cosplay-curious, and everyone in-between! There'll be food, vendors, demonstrations, a costume contest, and more!

Saturday, September 27
10 AM to 4 PM
Kerman Community Center

Fresno County staff will need board approval before celebrating non-vacation holidays A divided Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved a new policy requiring county staff to seek approval before celebrating some holidays and celebrations in an official capacity. The county officially recognizes and closes their offices during the federal holiday schedule, and on Cesar Chavez Day, Columbus Day and the day after Thanksgiving. Following Tuesday’s 3-2 vote, Fresno County staff now need board approval if they want to participate in holidays and celebrations beyond those pre-approved days. 

Fresno County staff will need board approval before celebrating non-vacation holidays

A divided Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved a new policy requiring county staff to seek approval before celebrating some holidays and celebrations in an official capacity. The county officially…

Selma Library Services Library Pop Up Tuesdays 9 AM to 12 PM 2055 3rd Street in Selma Sign up for a library card Check out books, DVDs, CDs, and audio books Get research assistance Learn to use online library resources For full calendar of events, visit fresnolibrary.org/fall

From our friends at FCPL:

The Selma Library may be closed for renovations, but you don’t have to miss out! Visit our Library Pop Up every Tuesday from 9AM–12PM at the Selma Police Station at 2055 3rd St, right across the street from the library!

For more information call 559-600-READ (7323)

A flyer for the Friends of the Gillis Library book sale. Thursday, August 7 from 12 PM to 7 PM Friday, August 8 from 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday, August 9 from 9 AM to 5 PM $5 Bag Day is Saturday, August 9th only. Gillis Branch Library 629 West Dakota Fresno, CA 93705 559-600-9915

A flyer for the Friends of the Betty Rodriguez Library book sale. $5 for a bag! 9 AM to 5 PM Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9 12 PM to 5 PM Sunday, August 10 Please bring cash. Betty Rodriguez Regional Library 3040 N Cedar Ave Fresno, CA

There are two book sales in Fresno this weekend! Make sure to swing by for some hot deals!

Fill a grocery bag with whichever books you'd like for just $5 and support your library in the process! $5 bag sale August 1-2, 10 AM to 2 PM Friday and Saturday. 2420 Mariposa Street. Cash or card accepted. Central Library. fresnocentralfol on Instagram. On the flyer is a mid-century modern-style illustration of a little green alien in an orange spaceship, surrounded by orange and yellow stars.

This weekend, the Central Friends of the Library are having a $5 bag sale!

Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2
10 AM to 2 PM
2420 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Everything will be $5 a bag both days and the Central Friends accept cash and card.