Celebrate National Friends of the Library Week!
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be spending the week of October 18–24, 2026, celebrating its amazing Friends of the Library group as part of the 20th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week. This is a special week to spotlight the wonderful work that our Friends volunteers do, and what a crucial role they play for the community.
The Friends of the Hancock County Public Library was established in 1975. Currently made up of approximately 140 community members, the Friends are a major factor in the library’s progress, advocating for funding and volunteering their time to assist with efforts that include the Book Cellar Used Book Shop, and much-anticipated special book sales throughout the year.
In 2026, the Friends contributed approximately $80,000 to support library programs, services, and resources. Their generous funding helped make possible community-favorite programs such as SummerREAD, WinterREAD, and the very popular adult Puzzle Race.
The Friends also supported a variety of special projects and events, including a new Launch Pad Quest at the Arlington Branch, a new AWE computer at the Main Branch, both to be installed soon, and rental of the library’s fair booth. Their support also helped sustain cherished community traditions, such as the Children’s Tell-a-Tale Contest.
In addition, the Friends, through the Kuhlman Fund, generously supported the materials collection. The Kuhlman Fund is designated “to purchase books and materials designed to encourage lifelong reading and the pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment.” The support represents 18% of the library’s 2026 base materials budget.
Sarah Clevidence, Library Director, said of the Friends: “Our community is fortunate to have a strong and passionate Friends of the Library group. Their generous financial contributions and unwavering position as community cheerleaders provide crucial and valued support for our library.”
The Findlay-Hancock County Public Library invites the community to join in celebrating and thanking the Friends of the Library this week—and all year long.
This is a HUGE Deal!
Don’t miss the bargains in the Book Cellar - The Friends of the Library Used Book Shop presents its famous Semi-Annual Book Sale! Books, DVDs, CDs, and more at low prices! Meet us in the lower level of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library for the best deals in town!
Thursday, November 5 from 3-5 p.m. is a Special Preview Sale for Friends of the Library members ONLY. Bags of books will be $1.00.
Friday, November 6 the hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bags will be $3.00.
Saturday, November 7 the hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price per bag will be lower than Friday’s.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags.
Friends of the Library Book Cellar
The Book Cellar is the Friends of the Library's used bookshop located in the ground floor of the library. Shoppers can find incredible bargains on books, DVDs, CDs and more. You can also join the Friends of the Library and get even more special deals!
Book Cellar Hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
For questions, please contact the Book Cellar at 419-434-1044.
Who are the Friends?
The Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the library and its relationship with the community. The Friends are enthusiastic supporters united by a common concern for the well-being of the library.
As a Friend, your membership dues enable special library programs to continue and expand. The Friends also welcome bequests for the enhancement of the library. Donations are also welcome to the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund at the Community Foundation.
What do the Friends do?
The Friends help promote the library, develop activities, present special programs, and encourage reading and use of the library. The Friends sponsor special library programs as well as staff development and staff recognition. The Friends raise funds through memberships, gifts, and sales in the Book Cellar, the Friends' used bookstore. The Friends manage and staff the Book Cellar, located on the lower level of the library. The Friends conduct used books sales in the spring and fall. The Friends meet three times each year: February, (annual meeting) May and September. We encourage your attendance at these meetings to enjoy interesting presentations, share ideas, volunteer for programs, and keep up-to-date on library activities.
Join the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
- Members get ½ off every Monday in the Book Cellar.
- Your contribution not only benefits the library but also your community.
- You will be given advance notice of upcoming Friends events.
- Your membership dues are tax deductible.
Email us at bookcellar@findlaylibrary.org for a membership form, and the Friends of the Library Code of Regulations.
You can now join ONLINE!
Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund
In 1995, the Friends of the Library contributed $10,000 to the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to establish the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock Public Library Fund, a fund that has grown considerably since that time through appreciation and further donations. Gifts made through the Community Foundation offer the tax advantages of the 501 (c) (3) status. Only the proceeds of the fund are granted to the library and principal of your gift will be the foundation of a legacy that will benefit library users in perpetuity. Gifts to the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund may be tailored to fit each donor’s individual needs. Gifts are gratefully accepted in the form of cash, retirement plan assets, life insurance, appreciated stock or real estate. Further information about the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library Fund and the Community Foundation is available at 419-425-1100. Thank you for your support!
Bob & Susan Kuhlman Fund for Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Bob and Susan Kuhlman created this fund through an estate gift in 2019. The purpose of the fund is to purchase books and materials designed to encourage lifelong reading and the pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment through the Friends of the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library. Bob was a graduate of Liberty Benton High School, Findlay College, and Bowling Green State University. He was a teacher, guidance counselor, and school psychologist. Bob was heavily involved in local politics, serving as Findlay City Councilman and Council President. He was a past president of the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Susan was a 1960 graduate of Findlay High School. She worked at Prudential Insurance for 36 years. Susan was described as Bob's "greatest supporter and organizer." The two were married on August 28, 1965.