Bay Front Chamber Member Spotlight

BAY FRONT CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating 25 Years of Community Impact: Friends of the Hercules Library

This year marks a major milestone for one of our most beloved community organizations — Friends of the Hercules Library is celebrating 25 years of unwavering support for literacy, education, and community enrichment.

Established in 2000, this 501(c)3 nonprofit began with a group of passionate local residents determined to bring a library to Hercules. At the time, Hercules was one of the largest cities in California without a public library. The Friends rallied together, participated in planning meetings, and hosted community book sales to raise funds. When the Hercules Library finally opened in November 2006, the Friends proudly presented a $25,000 check to help stock the library’s opening day collection.

Since then, they’ve been unstoppable.

To date, Friends of the Hercules Library has contributed over $350,000 to the library — funding collections, children’s programs, educational events, and more. They operate a volunteer-run bookstore located right inside the library and host semiannual book sales, all stocked with donated books from generous community members.

Beyond fundraising, the Friends play an active role in promoting the library throughout the community. They participate in city events like National Night Out, the Holiday Tree Lighting, Community Cleanup Day, and local expos, constantly advocating for the value and importance of the Hercules Library.

Membership is open to everyone — and at just $10 for individuals and $15 for families annually, it’s one of the best ways to support your community while gaining access to great perks, including 50% off bookstore purchases.

Here’s how you can support:

Let’s all celebrate the Friends of the Hercules Library for 25 years of service and for making Hercules a more informed, connected, and inspired place to live.