Friends of the Library Montgomery County

What Friends of the Library Montgomery County does

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1982 and incorporated in 1983 that supports Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) in Maryland. Operating without government funding for over four decades, FOLMC provides supplemental funding, programs, materials, and equipment to augment public library funding across MCPL's 21 branch locations. The organization is led by Executive Director Ari Brooks and a small core staff of approximately 20 employees, supported by a broad volunteer base.

FOLMC's core operations center on two used bookstores — the Rockville Bookstore at Randolph Hills Shopping Center and the Wheaton Bookstore at the Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center — which sell donated books, music, movies, and other media. Beyond the physical bookstores, the organization runs branch booksales at all 21 MCPL locations, sells curated Book Bundles online for $30 including shipping, and operates storefronts on Amazon, eBay, Bookshop.org, Libro.fm, and a Bonfire merchandise store. FOLMC funds and operates programmatic offerings including the Mosaic language arts program for middle school students (in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools), Summer Reading Challenge support, STEM activities, Early Literacy Stations at all branches, the Studio i Digital Media Lab at Long Branch, Go! Kits, and an annual Read.Run.Repeat. race event. The organization also presents four annual awards recognizing library professionals, literary excellence, volunteer service, and community partnership.

FOLMC's revenue model is diversified across multiple streams: bookstore transaction revenue, individual donations via online portal and mail, planned giving, memorial and tribute gifts, four workplace giving campaigns (Combined Federal Campaign, United Way, Maryland Charity Campaign, DC One Fund), corporate matching gifts, race event registration fees, and sale of gift cards and merchandise. The organization holds the 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, 2024 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Award, and a Charity Navigator four-star rating, and is led by a Board of Trustees with Executive Director Ari Brooks serving on the boards of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and United for Libraries (American Library Association). FOLMC does not use proprietary technology and relies on standard third-party platforms (DonorPerfect, Square, Constant Contact) for its operational infrastructure.

Name

Friends of the Library Montgomery County

Legal name

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Maryland Inc.

Website

https://folmc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1982 that supports Montgomery County Public Libraries' 21 branches through fundraising, two used bookstores, donations, and volunteer programs serving county residents, students, and library patrons.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Support Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Book Retailers and News Dealers (45921)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAHAF

Libraries, Archives & Special Collections

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Arts, Culture & Heritage Nonprofits

SECONDARYEDAEAGAC

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management

Education/Education Facilities & Support Services/Library, Media Center & Learning Space Operations

SECONDARYBPAIACAO

Public Libraries & Information Services

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Local/Municipal Government Administration

SECONDARYEDAAAFAA

Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Community & Public Education Programs (Libraries, Community Centers)

Keywords

• Public library support
• Used bookstore sales
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Community literacy programs
• Volunteer-driven operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Bookstore Sales: FOLMC operates two used bookstores (Rockville and Wheaton) that sell donated books, music, movies, and other materials. Proceeds support MCPL programs and enhancements. Also sells new books through Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Libro.fm storefronts.
2. Individual Donations: Accepts monetary donations through online portal, by mail, and planned giving through wills, trusts, and IRAs.
3. Workplace Giving Programs: Participates in Combined Federal Campaign (#42387), United Way (#8729), Maryland Charity Campaign (#521283371), and DC One Fund (#8729) to receive workplace giving contributions.
4. Book Bundles: Sells curated book bundles (6-8 books) for $30 including shipping, available in various categories (Children's, Mystery, Sci-Fi, etc.)
5. Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Accepts memorial and tribute gifts to honor deceased loved ones or celebrate special occasions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Montgomery County Public Libraries by raising supplemental funding through two used bookstores (Rockville and Wheaton), branch booksales at 21 library locations, and online storefronts selling donated books, media, music, curated book bundles, and gift cards. The organization also funds and operates literacy, STEM, and arts programs (including the Mosaic Language Arts Program, Summer Reading Challenge, Early Literacy Stations, and Go! Kits), and hosts community events such as Read.Run.Repeat. and Library Lovers Month.

Product overview

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is a nonprofit organization that operates a portfolio of retail and programmatic offerings supporting Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). The core retail operations include two used bookstores in Rockville and Wheaton, plus branch booksales across the county, selling donated books, media, and music. FOLMC offers curated Book Bundles (6-8 books for $30 with shipping) and Gift Cards. On the programmatic side, FOLMC funds and operates initiatives including Summer Reading Challenge support, STEM Activities (LEGO sessions, Mini-Maker projects, Science Spectacular), the Mosaic Language Arts Program for middle school students (culminating in an annual anthology), Read.Run.Repeat. annual race event, National Library Week and Library Lovers Month activities. FOLMC also presents four awards: B. Parker Hamilton Library Professional of the Year Award, Cokie & Steve Roberts Award for Literary Excellence, Charles W. Gilchrist Volunteer of the Year Award, and Presidents' Award for Community Partner of the Year. Additional funded programs include Go! Kits, Early Literacy Stations at all 21 branches, and Studio i Digital Media Lab. FOLMC also offers a Student Representative leadership program for high school students. The organization does not offer a unified software platform; rather, it operates physical retail locations and community programs funded by donations and bookstore proceeds.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rockville Bookstore A used bookstore operated by FOLMC at Randolph Hills Shopping Center in Rockville, MD, open 7 days/week, accepting daily book donations and selling gently used books, movies, and music. Proceeds support Montgomery County Public Libraries programs and enhancements. Targeted at individual consumers and book donors in Montgomery County.
• Wheaton Bookstore A used bookstore operated by FOLMC at Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD. Open 7 days/week and sells donated books, media, and music with proceeds supporting MCPL programs.
• FOLMC Branch Booksales Honor booksales held at Montgomery County Public Library branches, where volunteers sort and sell donated books and materials with proceeds going to support enhancements at that specific branch (e.g., Summer Reading Challenge, Makerspace activities, Health & Wellness programming, Workforce Development).
• Book Bundles Curated collections of 6-8 paperback and hardback books available for $30 including US shipping, offered in categories including Children's, Award Winning Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Pride Month, Social Justice & Awareness, Staff Picks, History/Bio, Women Authors, Authors of Color, Small Press Modern Poetry, and Musical CDs.
• Gift Cards Bookstore gift cards sold via the Square platform, redeemable at both Rockville and Wheaton FOLMC bookstore locations for in-store purchases.
• Summer Reading Challenge Support FOLMC funding supports MCPL's summer reading program, encouraging children to continue reading during summer break through the Montgomery County public library system.
• STEM Activities FOLMC-funded STEM programming at Montgomery County Public Library branches, including Build the Future open LEGO sessions, Mini-Maker hands-on projects, Science Spectacular science experiment performances, and STEM stations at library branches. Targeted at children and families.
• Mosaic Language Arts Program An annual language arts program for middle school students run in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Libraries. Students submit essays, short stories, or poems expressing cultural identity, with winning entries published in the Mosaic Anthology.
• Read.Run.Repeat. An annual community race event held at Wheaton Regional Park in partnership with Bishop's Events, offering 1 Mile Fun Run ($20), 5K ($35), and 10K ($50) distances for families and runners, with proceeds supporting FOLMC's library programs.
• National Library Week Activities Annual celebration during National Library Week (April 6-12, 2025) encouraging library visits, library card sign-ups, and community engagement at Montgomery County Public Libraries.
• Library Lovers Month February celebration featuring events and activities to highlight library resources and offerings, including kickoff events with performers, held annually in partnership with Montgomery County Public Libraries.
• Mosaic Anthology Annual anthology that publishes winning entries from the Mosaic Language Arts Program, celebrating diversity through creative writing by Montgomery County middle school students.
• B. Parker Hamilton Library Professional of the Year Award Annual award honoring retired MCPL Director B. Parker Hamilton to recognize excellent work carried out in Montgomery County Public Libraries and highlight best practices.
• Cokie & Steve Roberts Award for Literary Excellence Annual award recognizing an author who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the literary community through education, advocacy, or philanthropy.
• Charles W. Gilchrist Volunteer of the Year Award Award given in memory of former Montgomery County Executive Charles W. Gilchrist to recognize exceptional service to Montgomery County Public Libraries through volunteer and/or philanthropic support.
• Presidents' Award for Community Partner of the Year Award presented by FOLMC Board of Trustee Presidents to a business, company, corporation, foundation, or individual that has shown special dedication in working with FOLMC.
• Go! Kits Pre-filled bags available at all MCPL library branches for ages 3-6 and grades 3-5, designed to encourage parent/caregiver and child exploration. Each kit contains books, science tools, a Samsung Galaxy Tab A or Playaway Launchpad with recommended apps, an educational DVD, and a contents listing, and can be borrowed for 2 weeks.
• Early Literacy Stations FOLMC-funded computer stations available at all 21 MCPL branch libraries, providing safe, fun learning environments for young children with touch screens, colorful keyboards, and literacy education apps available in English and Spanish.
• Studio i Digital Media Lab Digital Media Lab at the Long Branch library providing teens with access to video recording equipment including a green screen room, handheld camera, and iMovie software for creative digital media production.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary of FOLMC support. FOLMC provides supplemental funding, programs, materials and equipment to augment public funding. MCPL operates 21 branch libraries that receive FOLMC-funded enhancements including STEM activities, summer reading programs, early literacy stations, and digital media labs.
• Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Mosaic program - an annual language arts program for middle school students. MCPS provides schools and teachers who recruit student participants in essay, short story, and poem categories to celebrate diversity and cultural identity.
• Montgomery County Library BoardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Library Board on programs like Library Lovers Month. Library Board representatives participate in FOLMC Awards Committee.
• United WaymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkplace giving partner. Donors can designate contributions to FOLMC through United Way workplace campaigns using code #8729.
• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal employee workplace giving program. FOLMC is designated as CFC charity #42387 for federal employees to support through payroll deductions.
• Maryland Charity CampaignmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerState of Maryland employee workplace giving. FOLMC designated as charity #5273 for Maryland state employees.
• DC One FundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDistrict of Columbia employee workplace giving campaign. FOLMC designated as charity #8729 for DC government employees.
• Gaithersburg Book FestivalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOLMC serves as literary partner for the Gaithersburg Book Festival (founded 2010, largest book festival in the region). FOLMC's award-winning used bookstores are a staple feature of the event.
• Noyes Children's Library FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by Jan Jablonski, 2017 Gilchrist Award recipient. Both organizations support children's literacy and library services in Montgomery County.
• Maryland Writers' AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2016 Gilchrist Award recipient. MWA sponsors the Teen Writing Club Program at libraries, supporting FOLMC's literary mission.
• Bishop's EventsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRace management partner for Read.Run.Repeat. annual event. Handles race registration and logistics for the 5K/10K/fun run event.
• Center for Nonprofit AdvancementmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director Ari Brooks serves on Board of Directors. FOLMC is a member organization receiving resources and networking for nonprofit excellence.
• United for Libraries (American Library Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director Ari Brooks serves as Friend at Large Member. National library Friends organization providing resources and advocacy.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• ProLiteracy: National nonprofit advocating adult literacy and supporting literacy programs. Tangentially comparable as a library-adjacent literacy nonprofit that FOLMC audiences and partners may also support.

Direct peers

• Friends of the DC Public Library: Regional peer supporting DC Public Library with similar bookstore and volunteer fundraising in the same metropolitan area. Highly comparable given geographic proximity and shared donor-base overlap.
• Friends of the New York Public Library: Large-scale nonprofit supporting NYPL through membership, retail stores, and programming. Same volunteer-driven bookstore model augmenting public library funding, at significantly larger scale.
• Friends of the Chicago Public Library: Independent nonprofit supporting Chicago Public Library through fundraising, used bookstores, and literary programs. Direct analog in mission, structure, and bookstore-centric revenue model.
• Friends of the San Francisco Public Library: 501(c)(3) supporting San Francisco Public Library through fundraising, a flagship used bookstore, and literary events. Closely mirrors FOLMC's model of bookstore revenue funding library programs and community engagement.
• Friends of the Seattle Public Library: Independent nonprofit that funds and operates used bookstores benefiting the Seattle Public Library system. Most operationally comparable peer: same bookstore-driven fundraising model, branch booksales, and supplemental programming positioning.

Broad incumbents

• American Library Association: National professional organization supporting libraries broadly through advocacy, standards, and United for Libraries (FOLMC's ED serves as Friend at Large). Thematic incumbent across the library-nonprofit ecosystem FOLMC operates in.
• Better World Books: For-profit social enterprise that sells donated books online and directs proceeds to literacy nonprofits. Competes with FOLMC in monetizing donated used-book inventory at scale through online channels.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: High-profile childhood literacy nonprofit mailing free books to children. Comparable in early-literacy mission addressed by FOLMC's Go! Kits and Early Literacy Stations, but operates at national scale.

Emerging players

• First Book: National nonprofit distributing books and educational resources to children in need. Comparable in literacy mission and donor-funded book distribution model, though national rather than county-focused.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/folmc
• Instagraminstagram.com/folmcmd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/friends-of-the-library-montgomery-county

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Friends of the Library Montgomery County