Friends Of Neighborhood Libraries

Houston, Texas · 501(c)(3)

Empowering Houston's neighborhoodsthrough literacy.

Empowering Houston's neighborhoods through literacy. We raise funds, award grants, and advocate so neighborhood libraries stay strong — facilities, programs, and resources for every community we serve.

See our workDonate or volunteer
Raised for libraries
$2.5M+
Years of service
20+
Volunteer driven
100%
Public charity
501c3
Bright community library interior with shelves of books

Houston libraries

River Oaks · Upper Kirby · Afton Oaks and beyond.

Mailing address

P O Box 27249, Houston, TX 77227

Section 01 · About us

Libraries that strengthen every neighborhood.

To support and promote library programs and activities through fundraising, grants, and community advocacy — enhancing local library facilities and literacy resources across Houston.

Since our IRS ruling in 2003, we have focused on Houston's educational landscape — funding facilities, literacy programs, and advocacy so public libraries remain trusted anchors of community life.

Legal snapshot

  • NameFriends Of Neighborhood Libraries
  • Type501(c)(3) public charity
  • EIN32-0092539
  • RegionHouston, Texas
01

Infrastructure Support

Capital campaigns and facility investments that expand and modernize neighborhood library branches across Houston.

02

Literacy Programs

Grants and program funding that put books, learning resources, and literacy activities within reach of every neighbor.

03

Community Advocacy

A volunteer-driven voice for public libraries — rallying neighbors, partners, and donors around shared educational goals.

Open books and quiet reading space in a library
Young learners engaged in a literacy program

Facilities · literacy · community advocacy

Section 02 · Our work

How we support Houston libraries.

Capital campaigns, grants, and volunteer advocacy — three levers for stronger neighborhood branches.

Library facility developmentCapital campaigns

Focus 01

Library facility development

Major fundraising that built and expanded neighborhood libraries — including $2.5 million raised for 21,000 square feet of new library facilities serving River Oaks, Upper Kirby, and nearby communities.

Includes: Facility construction · renovations · capital gifts · branch expansion

Focused on Houston neighborhood branches

Ask about capital campaigns
Grants & neighborhood supportOngoing grants

Focus 02

Grants & neighborhood support

With more than $1 million in annual income stewarded carefully, we allocate grants that meet specific branch needs — collections, programs, and literacy resources where they matter most.

Includes: Branch grants · collections · literacy resources · program support

Serving local Houston libraries year-round

Learn about grant support
Advocacy & Friends networkCommunity-wide

Focus 03

Advocacy & Friends network

One hundred percent volunteer-driven, we convene neighbors as Friends of their local branches — strengthening public libraries through membership, events, and civic presence.

Includes: Volunteer network · branch friends · public advocacy · community events

Open to Houston neighbors who love libraries

Join as a Friend

Stewardship

Over $1M in annual income, directed to neighborhood needs.

Grants and program support are allocated carefully so each dollar strengthens facilities, literacy resources, and the communities around them.

Partner with usVolunteer

Why libraries

Literacy is infrastructure for Houston.

Library shelves filled with books
01

Libraries are neighborhood anchors

A strong public library is more than shelves — it is a free classroom, a safe gathering place, and a bridge to opportunity for every Houstonian.

02

Infrastructure multiplies literacy

When facilities expand and programs are funded, reading and learning scale with them. Capital gifts and grants turn blueprints into open doors.

03

Transparency builds trust

As stewards of substantial community assets, we treat financial clarity and accountable grantmaking as core to the mission — not optional extras.

As a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 32-0092539), gifts to Friends of Neighborhood Libraries may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Support funds facilities, grants, and literacy programs.

Give to the missionSee ways to help
Rows of library books representing decades of community investment

Our story

Twenty years of building Houston's library future.

Section 03 · Our story

From IRS recognition to major facility campaigns

  1. 2003

    IRS ruling & public charity status

    Friends Of Neighborhood Libraries is recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 32-0092539), establishing a durable vehicle for library fundraising and advocacy in Houston.

  2. Growth

    River Oaks & Upper Kirby focus

    The organization plays a pivotal role in funding library developments serving River Oaks, Upper Kirby, and Afton Oaks — neighborhoods that rely on strong public facilities.

  3. Campaign

    $2.5M for new library facilities

    Major fundraising — led with Development Leader Mary Hale McLean — raises $2.5 million for approximately 21,000 square feet of library facilities.

  4. Today

    Assets stewarded, volunteers leading

    With assets of roughly $1.15 million and fully volunteer-driven leadership under President Ross Selvaggi, we continue grants, advocacy, and facility support for Houston libraries.

Section 04 · Leadership

People behind the mission.

Volunteer leaders guiding fundraising, finance, governance, and community outreach for Houston libraries.

Role-based desks

Reach the right inbox

All addresses are role-based for continuity — so messages reach the right desk even as volunteers rotate.

Section 05 · Support us

Fuel literacy. Stand with libraries.

Whether you give or volunteer as a Friend of your local branch, you help us expand facilities, fund programs, and keep Houston libraries strong.

  • Tax-deductible gifts to an active 501(c)(3) public charity
  • Direct impact on Houston neighborhood library facilities and literacy programs
  • Volunteer roles as Friends of local branches
  • Transparent stewardship of assets and grants
Community volunteers gathering for a local cause

Volunteer

Become a Friend

Join community members supporting their local branch — outreach, events, and program help. Write the support desk to register.

Register to volunteer
Stack of books representing literacy investment

Donate

Tax-deductible gifts

Mail checks to P O Box 27249, Houston, TX 77227. EIN 32-0092539. Active 501(c)(3) — gifts may be deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Talk about giving

Section 06 · Contact

Reach Friends of Neighborhood Libraries

Prefer a form? Send a note — it goes to our general inbox. Or use the role-based directory below.

Mailing address

P O Box 27249

Houston, Texas 77227

Service areas: River Oaks · Upper Kirby · Afton Oaks

Open map

Directory