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Our Programs
Inspiring Literacy, Community & Lifelong Learning
At Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library (HBFoL), we believe everyone deserves access to books, cultural experiences, and a welcoming place to gather. Our four signature programs bring the power of reading and education to people across Hermosa Beach and beyond—sparking imagination, expanding library services, and bridging literacy gaps for generations to come.
Strengthening the Hermosa Beach Library
Fueling a World of Knowledge
What We Do
HBFoL provides direct financial support to the Hermosa Beach Public Library - funding critical resources that build upon County funding to make our Library more vibrant, more impactful, and more inclusive.
What We Fund
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Books & Periodicals: We help the Library purchase hundreds of books and subscriptions tailored to local needs
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Adult & Teen Programs: The County doesn't fund these programs, so we step in, ensuring they remain free and accessible.
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Children's Programs: We expand the Library's capacity so kids can enjoy more creative art sessions, storytimes, reading circles, and more.
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Supplies: We help the Library purchase the supplies and materials they need to keep things moving smoothly.
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We also promote the Library's programs to help our community engage with and appreciate the wonderful work of our Library team!
Highlights
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$27,600 donated in 2024 alone
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44 library programs funded
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1,272 program attendees
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437 books purchased
Community Impact
Through this support, Hermosa Beach residents of all ages enjoy an ever-growing range of books, periodicals, and enriching activities right in their neighborhood Library!
Book READCycle
Ensuring Every Book Finds a Home
What We Do
Our bookstore is more than a place to find low-cost books!
Through our cornerstone re-donation initiative, we collect tens of thousands of books from our generous community and give them new life in our community, in underserved neighborhoods, and through our partner organizations.
Our Work
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Dedicated Team: Our team processes over 1,000 books each week donated by our community in our 575-sqft bookstore - cleaning books and marking them for our bookstore, for re-distribution, or for thoughtful recycling.
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Distribution to Partners: We re-donate thousands of books other materials to local nonprofits, teachers, schools, and more.
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Reducing Waste: Every volume we re-home is a book that might otherwise end up shelved, forgotten, or in a landfill.
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Fueling Literacy: Our donations put books in the hands of individuals who need them most, spreading a love of reading, literacy and education.​
Highlights
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44,000 books donated by the Hermosa Beach community in 2024
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70+ dedicated volunteers support book processing
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10+ book re-donation partners - and growing!
Community Impact
Each donated book is a literacy resource for neighbors, classrooms, or community partners—ensuring no story is left unread.
Children's Programs
Wonder & Opportunity Every Weekend
What We Do
Our bookstore becomes a playful, creative space on weekends where children can explore reading and art in a fun, hands-on setting:
Our Work
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Weekly Events: Families drop by for art workshops, drawing sessions, and engaging story circles led by passionate volunteers
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Bookmark Contest: Each year, we support the LA County Bookmark Contest to encourage kids' original designs - aiming to double local participation each year.
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Welcoming Atmosphere: Young readers from every corner of Hermosa Beach gather to foster a lifelong love of books and storytelling.
Highlights
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Dozens of families connect each weekend, nurturing literacy skills and creativity
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2x increase in Bookmark Contest entries between 2023 and 2024
Community Impact
Children who love books go on to become creative thinkers, empathetic leaders, and confident learners. Our programs ensure that spark takes root in the heart of Hermosa Beach.
Author Series
Showcasing Local Talent
What We Do
In partnership with the Hermosa Beach Museum, we're hosting six public events throughout 2025 that bring local writers into the spotlight - and readers along for the ride.
Our Work
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Community-Focused Programming: Each event highlights a new genre, from romance to Hollywood, to spark the interest of casual readers and book lovers alike.
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Strong Turnout: Our launch event filled the Museum to capacity with 100 attendees for lively Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and an electric appreciation for Hermosa Beach.
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Growing Literary Culture: This series supports local appreciation for Hermosa Beach's longstanding role as a coastal haven for reading, literature, and culture.
2025 Schedule
All events are at 6:00 p.m., a the Hermosa Beach Museum
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2025
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Thursday, Mar 27, 2025
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Thursday, May 29, 2025
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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025
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Thursday, Sep 25, 2025
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Thursday, Nov 6, 2025
Community Impact
This ongoing forum energizes local arts, introduces fresh ideas, and brings neighbors together to celebrate storytelling.
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Your Support Drives Our Impact
Thanks to our generous supporters, Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library has evolved from a small volunteer group into a dynamic literacy champion.
In 2024 alone:
44
Library programs received funding
$27,600
was donated to support our Library
40,000
donated books found new homes
70+
volunteers supported our operations
Ways to Get Involved
Even $5/mo helps us expand programming and boost literacy across Hermosa Beach
Help support our programs, events, and spread the word about our work
Sponsor key initiatives and strengthen community ties