The Community Library Association is looking for new friends.
The association, which represents Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg Community Library, created a Friends of CLA group to supplement fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy.
Nonprofit Friends groups have been around since the 1920s, with the first organization founded in Illinois and named Friends of the Library.
They since have expanded across multiple arts, education and recreation sectors.
“With so many generous, philanthropic and community-minded citizens, it’s a no-brainer that we form this organization and swing for the fences,” said CLA board member Lauren Gleason.
She and fellow board member Kathleen Freyvogel said the CLA was one of the only regional library communities without a “friends” group.
The libraries serve the Fox Chapel Area School District communities, which include Aspinwall, Blawnox, Fox Chapel, Indiana Township, O’Hara and Sharpsburg.
The pair are helping to spearhead recruitment, which is open to all library patrons, no matter if they live in the district or not.
“Our libraries’ only income sources are government funding and private donations, and it barely covers expenses,” Gleason said.
“All our patrons are already friends of the library. Through checking out books, attending programming, purchasing raffle tickets or donating to campaigns, you are supporting our libraries.”
The formation of the group extends philanthropic opportunities.
Anyone who revels in the Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg spaces — whether to use the computer, take an art class or join a booklover’s club — can now formalize their support.
Commitment levels rest on members.
“Maybe you support FOCLA by paying an optional membership fee, or you volunteer your time at library events, like the Chili Cookoff or Summer Reading Party, or you help to plan a fundraiser, like a plant sale luncheon,” Gleason said.
Members also could be called on to provide input and help implement strategic plans.
Cooper-Siegel Community Library, at 403 Fox Chapel Road, celebrated a major expansion in January to help bolster its mission of cultivating lifelong learners.
The $2.5 million project brought to the facility’s lower level a Makerspace, small group study rooms, a common area with tables and chairs, program space and more.
It was funded through a public capital campaign launched in 2024, as well as $1.4 million in state grants from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and state Department of Education’s Bureau of Library Development.
State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View, said libraries fill multiple missions for people looking to learn, make connections and fight loneliness. At the library, people can rent from the Library of Things that includes music and cooking equipment, search for employment on the computer, learn a new skill or enjoy the gardens.
In Sharpsburg, the site at 1212 Main St. also is undergoing upgrades with a project designed to boost outdoor programming and renovations to the 1,200-square-foot courtyard.
A $30,000 construction job includes new pavers, wooden fence replacement and wrought iron fence repairs.
The new Friends group will help ensure both libraries are positioned to continue serving patrons well into the future.
The first meeting is eyed for summer, but no date has been set.
To learn more about the Friends of CLA group, visit coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/friends-of-the-cla or email laurenanngleason@gmail.com or kfreyvogel@yahoo.com.