Friends of the Bryan & College Station Public Library System

The Friends of the Bryan College Station Library System, a nonprofit organization founded in 1955 to promote the Public Library, encourages all citizens to use the many and varied services offered by the libraries. The Friends' supported programs heighten community awareness of the library's resources. The Friends' gifts enrich the library collections. Friends' development efforts build long-term library support.

In 2025, the Friends celebrated 70 years of support to the BCS Library System! The Friends honored this milestone by providing $70,000 to the library system to underwrite a special Author Series, free of charge, for all ages across the community. With funds from the 2026 Brazos Valley Gives Campaign, the Friends will continue the successful Author Series program. Our campaign goal is $25,000.

Additionally, the Friends provide program funding beyond what is provided by our Cities. Friends support enhances the library experience across all three local branches:

Carnegie History Center - Bryan
Clara B. Mounce Public Library - Bryan
Larry J. Ringer Library - College Station

The Friends support:

Programs & Experiences

• Community Programs featuring guest speakers, authors, and performers, for all ages,
• Summer Reading Programs,
• Adult programs and activities,

Early Literacy & Children

• 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
• Free books and literacy activities that encourage children and families to develop a love of reading

Local History & Genealogy

• Genealogy and local history programs that preserve and share the stories, people, and history of our community through the Carnegie History Center

Supporting Our Libraries

• Staff appreciation activities
• Printing and copying services that meet community needs and, in turn, support library programs
• Maintain bookshelves of free books

Testimonials

“When I moved to the local area, I was impressed by all the programs that were offered by the Bryan College Station libraries. I was amazed to learn how many programs, events and support were provided to the library system by the Friends of the Library for all ages. Members of the Friends work countless hours preparing for the three community book sales that are held throughout the year. Proceeds from the book sales are used to provide funding to all three of the Bryan College Station libraries. The book sales provide support and funding for library programs as well as recycling good reads for all” - Denise, College Station.

“I’ve been to at least half of the [Author Series] this year. I really enjoyed everyone, all the different genres, even the one like horror I don’t normally read. I liked getting to hear the authors and how they get their ideas” - Marcia, Bryan.

“I found out about the Author Series through my Mounce Book Club. I have been to five and gotten three free books. I loved the different genres of books and hearing what inspires the authors. I’ve always loved to read”- Kathy, Bryan.

“This is my third author [Annie Hartnett]. I found out about the series on the website. We really liked coming to hear Steven Graham Jones. We had been reading his book and wanted to see him in person”- Chris, College Station teacher.

“My daughter is a criminal prosecutor in Waco and she heard about [Annie Hartnett] and told us to come. I don’t know how she finds out about these things. We had a great time.” -Mary, College Station.

"I am so delighted to hear that the author series is such a success. I enjoyed the ones I attended and keep telling friends about the visiting authors"- Mary Fran, Retired Member, B-CS Friends of the Library Board of Directors.

"The Friends of the Bryan/College Station Public Library System is a dedicated and welcoming group whose passion for literacy and service strengthens our libraries and enriches the entire community. Their warmth, generosity, and commitment allowed me to contribute meaningfully while gaining a lasting sense of connection to the Bryan–College Station community" -Emma Grace, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Friends of the Library Intern, 2025.