Over the last few months Friends board members put their heads together trying to think of ways to increase Friends membership. Through the BOOKtiques and memberships, the Friends fund many amazing library programs and events. As Lake Oswego grows so do the number of library users and program attendees. That means the Lake Oswego Public Library needs more funding from the Friends.

Click here to read more about Membership Week.

Friends celebrate its BOOKtique volunteers

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the BOOKtiques. It is their dedication, hard work, and welcoming presence that keep customers returning, searching for specific books, chatting and catching up, or browsing the aisles, unencumbered by time passing and To-Do lists.     

To thank these dedicated volunteers and recognize all that they do to keep the BOOKtiques not only open but also a joy to visit, the Friends of Lake Oswego Public Library Board hosted a BOOKtique Volunteer Luncheon July 20th.

Click here to read more about our Volunteer Luncheon.

BOOKtique Volunteer Profile: Ruth Leno

Volunteer Ruth Leno, a cashier at the Monroe BOOKtique store on Wednesday and Friday mornings, has lived and traveled throughout the world. The daughter of a US Navy serviceperson, she has resided in Guam, Cuba, Hong Kong, Japan, California, and Arkansas, among other places, and she continues to travel widely. Click here to read more about Ruth. 

A rare donation of rare books

In July 2026, the BOOKtique We received a donation of many military-themed books once belonging to an Alaska bush pilot. Most are first editions, and a significant portion are signed by the authors. Below are some of the highlights of this superb collection.

From the Library Director Melissa Kelly: Long-term planning for our building

Thank you to the Friends for the important role you play in supporting the Library's mission. We are grateful to everyone who has renewed their membership and to those who have joined the Friends for the first time. Your investment ensures Library programs continue to thrive.

Click here to read more from Melissa

Storytime - and libraries - are for everyone!
Board Member Vera Vos profiles some of the Library's children's programs funded by Friends

At 10:30 am precisely, she called out to the group to join her in singing Hello Friends the welcome song, familiar to most as everyone joined in with the words and gestures. Hello Friends was a greeting and a signal. After the song, kids and adults alike, settled with eyes on Allison, waiting for the first book, Polar Bear’s Underwear. There are few things as funny to this age group as underwear.

Click here to read more about the Library's children's programs.