I dare say that there is no greater advocacy group to the public library than the Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Gaston County Public Library is no exception. With a rich history dating back to 1955, the Friends continue to be an integral part of the Gaston County Public Library. Today the Friends are not only known for their advocacy efforts, but also for their fundraising and dedication to quality, cultural programming at no-cost to the residents of Gaston County.

As early as 1955, there was discussion about a Friends of the Library organization. In November 1955, Public Affairs Committee Chair, Mrs. W. B. Boney (Maude), called on members of the Altrusa Club of Gastonia to attend a planning meeting on December 8, 1955. Mrs. Boney not only requested the member’s attendance but requested two representatives from their respective groups. The goal was to “work toward the aim of bringing Gaston County’s library rank up from 61st in library income to nearer its proper position as one of the six largest and wealthiest counties in North Carolina.” While little information was kept beyond their second meeting on January 19, 1956, it is safe to say that their work did not stop. In 1957, Gaston County voters passed a 5-cent tax levy to support branch library operations in seven communities and earmarked $250,000 in capital funds for building construction.

Fast forward almost 30 years to 1983 where once again, a Friends group stepped up to help the
Gaston County library. Despite having moved into a 66,000 sq ft facility on Garrison Blvd roughly five years earlier, library staff recognized the need to deaccession materials due to poor condition and inaccurate information. In an attempt to be fiscally responsible, library staff held an annual book sale to raise funds for the Library. With a reduction in library staff and the increased demand this created for other library staff, those book sales ceased until a new group stepped into the limelight to form the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library. With bylaws approved on September 20, 1983, the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library were on their way. In April 1985, the Friends of the GCPL held their first book sale which has continued annually until 2020. Following this first book sale, the Friends of the GCPL received their 501(c)3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service on September 9, 1986.

The rest is as they say, history.