Ledding Library

Library Budget
Governance & Funding

The citizens of Milwaukie have always been dedicated supporters of their library. In 1952, the "Friends of the Milwaukie Library" was started, primarily through the efforts of Zenas Olson. Mrs. Olson was described by the Milwaukie Review as being "one of Milwaukie's most faithful fighters for an adequate library." The Friends of the Ledding Library adopted a new name and became a nonprofit corporation in 1979. With the help of a dedicated group of tireless workers, the Friends have pursued their mission -- to support the Ledding Library through volunteers services, fund raising and the sharing of information that will benefit the community.

The Friends run the Pond House Book Store, located at 2515 SE Harrison in Milwaukie, which is open every Friday and Saturday from 11AM – 4PM.

Every year in later June, the Friends hold a book sale. It is the Friends' main fundraising project. People who staff the book sale help in many ways. Book sale workers sort books by subject so that they are displayed attractively. Other helpers collect money as the materials are sold. With the money that is made from the book sale and other fundraising projects, the Friends support programs for children and adults and assist the library by purchasing special equipment and materials that otherwise could not be afforded. For example, the Friends have purchased eight Internet stations, one computer workstation, shelving, tables and chairs for the library. The group is responsible for underwriting the popular Children's Summer Reading Club and the "First Saturday" series of programs for adults.

The Friends of the Ledding Library also hold an annual brunch for the library's volunteers, to let them know how much they are appreciated. The brunch is catered by a local restaurant and has always been a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Another spring activity sponsored by the Friends of the Library is the annual plant sale. Fantastic bargains on trees, shrubs, flowers and plants can always be found. Gardening books and gifts are for sale as well. This is a sale that you won't want to miss.

From time to time, members of the Friends may be called on to support the Ledding Library in the community. Friends' members often attend meetings in which the library is discussed or write letters on behalf of the library.

It is easy to join the Friends of the Ledding Library. Membership forms are available at the library's front desk. An individual yearly membership is just $10.00. A sustaining member ship costs $20.00 per year. (Sustaining members like to support the library, but do not have time to volunteer). A lifetime is $100.00. Thanks for considering the Friends of the Ledding Library.