Friends of the Cerritos Library

If you are someone who loves reading and values the role that libraries play in our communities, then becoming a member of the Friends of the Cerritos Library is an excellent way to support a cause that you believe in.

The purpose of the Friends of the Library is to support and advocate for the library. Friends of the Library are a group of volunteers who work to promote the library in the community, raise funds for library programs and services, and promote the use of the Library and its many facilities. By supporting the library, Friends of the Library contribute to the betterment of their community and help to foster a love of reading and learning in others.

The Friends also operate a bookstore in the Cerritos Library, offering high-quality used books, gift items and Cerritos Library mementos for sale.

By joining such an organization, you can connect with others who share your passion for reading and learning and make a meaningful difference in your community. So, why not become a member today and help support a cause that you believe in?

Upcoming Friends of the Cerritos Library Events

2026 Writers Festival: a High Tea Experience

The Friends of the Cerritos Library third annual Writers Festival will be presented from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, in the Library’s Skyline Room. The event features a high tea experience, and an author panel discussion followed by a book signing. Registration is $65 for members of the Friends of the Cerritos Library and $75 for non-members. Featured authors include Nikki Erlick (“The Poppy Fields”), Joss Richard (“It’s Different This Time”), Nayantara Roy (“The Magnificent Ruins”), Zahida Sherman (“Writer’s Block”), and Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon (“Where I Belong”). Registration for members of the Friends begins on Sunday, February 15, and registration for non-members opens on Sunday, March 1. Guests can register online with friendsofthecerritoslibrary.eventbrite.com or by mailing a check to Friends of the City of Cerritos Library P.O. Box 3876 Cerritos, CA 90703. Payments submitted by check should include a note of the guests’ names and phone number or email address. Proceeds from this event will support the Friends of the Cerritos Library’s mission to promote the library in the community and raise funds for library programs and services. For more information, please contact the Friends President Shiva Bhatt at (562) 714-4480 or email ShivaBhatt@gmail.com.

Friends of the Cerritos Library Booksale

The Friends of the Cerritos Library will hold a book sale on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The sale will be held inside the library, near the Craftsman Area. A great selection of fiction and nonfiction books in English and foreign languages, as well as multimedia items, will be available at bargain prices. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.

Membership Benefits

Members of the Friends of the Cerritos Library receive advance notice of sales and events. Meetings are held on the second Monday in February, April, June, October and December at 7:30 p.m. Becoming a Friend is easy. Download the application and mail it with your check to the Friends’ post office box. Forms can also be obtained at the Cerritos Library.

Membership Fees

Individual: $20 per year

Family: $45 per year

Corporation/Organization: $200

Life Membership (single): $250*

Donor: $250*

*Member’s name will be displayed on the Friends’ Dedication Wall in the Cerritos Library for two years.

Friends Bookstore

The Friends’ Bookstore offers an outstanding collection of gently used books.

Store Hours:

Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friends History

United States Representative Michelle Steel recognized the Friends with a 2024 Non-Profit of Distinction Award in honor of the organization's hard work, dedication to the community and exceptional service to the public.

Organized in 1972, the Friends of the City of Cerritos Public Library, Inc., was established with the purpose of promoting the use of the Library and its many services through donations and various projects.

The Friends were instrumental in making the Cerritos Library the first public library in the United States to be dedicated to the nation’s First Ladies of the White House. Portraits, personal items, autographed books, the Franklin Mint collection of First Ladies’ coins and quotations from Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalind Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush make up this special collection.

The Friends of the Cerritos Library understands the critical importance of a well-funded library and makes significant contributions to the Cerritos Library by organizing successful book sales, staffing the Friends of the Cerritos Library book store, presenting the Homework Help program and helping to promote library services. The members of the Friends of the Cerritos Library set an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.

The Friends have made many generous and helpful donations to the Cerritos Library. In 2018, the Friends contributed $15,000 to support the Cerritos Library’s purchase and implementation of a replacement radio frequency identification (RFID) system. In 2013, the Friends donated $30,224 to the Cerritos Library for the purchase of 48 new computers for use by the public.

Friends Events and Sponsorships

Art & Writing Contests

The Friends of the Cerritos Library sponsor an Annual Art & Writing Contest for Children in grades K-6 and a short story contest for children in grades 3-6. Holding these contests encourages children to explore their talents and be proud of their achievements.

The Friends of the Cerritos Library also sponsor an Annual Contests for Talented Teens to encourage teens to explore their talents. The contests in poetry, art, short story and photography are open to all students with valid Cerritos Library cards attending grades 7 through 12.

Library Book Sales

The Friends hold book sales throughout the year with a great selection of fiction and non-fiction books, children's books, books in foreign languages and multimedia materials available at bargain prices.

Summer Reading Program

The Friends of the Cerritos Library have sponsored the Summer Reading Program since the summer of 1974. Over the years, the organization has provided book prizes and promoted reading and a love for books among children. Since 1997, young adults have had their own reading program and in 2001 an adult program was added.