Welcome to FriendShop!
It’s the best little bargain place in town offering brand new and gently-used treasures for children and adults. (Yes, we DO have gift cards!) Well read and eager to share, our volunteer staff will happily assist you in tracking down a favorite author, title, or book series. We depend on tax-deductible donations of books and other media to stock our shelves, and then we use sales proceeds to fund library programs, special projects, and resources.
Where in the world Is FriendShop?
We’re not in the library! We’re uniquely situated just off the lobby of the Suncoast Technical College. The college and library are attached. To find FriendShop, go straight down the library’s central aisle to the glass doors, walk through, take the first left, and there you are.
What if there’s no one in the FriendShop to take money for my purchase?
Easy. On the wall opposite the shop’s entrance are a slotted Honor Box and a price list. Deposit what you owe there. Your comments, suggestions, and donations are also welcome.
The Color Purple
There’s another Honor Box. It’s purple. It’s attached to the purple book cart in the LIBRARY lobby. Ala Cart is an extension of our FriendShop. It’s a mere taste of what the shop has to offer. Browse and buy from this ever-changing assortment of gently used treasures.
Why is it that sometimes there’s no one staffing the FriendShop?
It’s because we need additional volunteers to fill our two-hour shifts. We also need substitutes, and we’ll need even more FriendShop volunteers to staff our library lobby kiosk when it opens in the Fall.
Are you interested in joining us? There are special perks, especially when the Culinary Arts Students are working their kitchen magic!
Do Friends members receive any special favors in FriendShop?
Of course. The most important advantage is the value attached to your membership card. When you shop, present it for $1 off a $5 purchase of donated items. It’s your passport for early admission to exciting book sales, where we invite shoppers to BOGO or to fill a bag for $5! You’ll pay $4! Your card will also give you occasional access to a formidable stash of items we don’t have room to display in the bookstore itself. You will also receive the first notice of FOSSPL events and other rewards yet to be revealed.