Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District - Gainesville, Florida

❓ FAQ 👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: 430-B N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States.
Phone: 3523751676.
Website: folacld.org
Specialties: Non-profit organization, Book store, Comic book store, Library, Music store.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Free parking lot, On-site parking.
Opinions: This company has 63 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.5/5.

📌 Location of Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District

☎️3523751676

Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District

Nestled in the heart of Gainesville, Florida, the Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District (FOLACLD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing library services in Alachua County. Located at 430-B N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States, this community-driven initiative is a beacon for book lovers, knowledge seekers, and enthusiasts of various forms of literature and art.

Main Services

Book Store: FOLACLD offers a vast collection of books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. Their selection caters to diverse interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Comic Book Store: Comic book enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of graphic novels, comic books, and manga at FOLACLD. The store carries a wide range of titles from various publishers, making it a haven for comic fans.
Music Store: Music lovers can explore a variety of CDs and vinyl records at FOLACLD. The music store offers a mix of genres, from classical to jazz, rock, and country, ensuring a delightful browsing experience.
On-Site Services: FOLACLD provides various on-site services, such as book donations, book sales, and volunteer opportunities. They also host special events, workshops, and author talks, fostering a vibrant literary community.

Location and Access

The FOLACLD bookstore is situated in the downtown Gainesville area, close to the University of Florida and the Thomas Center. The location offers easy access to public transportation, with several bus stops nearby. For those driving, there's free on-site parking available, along with wheelchair-accessible car park spaces.

The store is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance, ensuring that all patrons can enjoy the bookstore's offerings without barriers. The downtown neighborhood offers a mix of historic architecture and modern infrastructure, providing a charming backdrop for the bookstore.

Featured Characteristics

Unique Bookstore Layout: FOLACLD boasts a spacious, well-organized layout, with books arranged by category and author. The store's design encourages browsing, with cozy nooks and crannies that invite patrons to linger and explore.
Community Partnerships: FOLACLD partners with local schools, libraries, and community organizations to promote literacy and support educational initiatives. Their collaborations enrich the local community by providing access to resources and fostering a love for reading.
Artistic Environment: Beyond books, FOLACLD showcases the works of local artists. The store's walls are adorned with paintings, drawings, and sculptures, creating an engaging and visually stimulating atmosphere for patrons.

Practical Information

Hours of Operation: The bookstore is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on Sunday and Monday to allow for restocking and preparations for the upcoming week.
Phone: You can reach FOLACLD at 352-375-1676 for any inquiries or to learn more about their services and events.
Website: For more information about FOLACLD, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities, visit their official website at folacld.org.
Social Media: Follow FOLACLD on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on their latest news, book recommendations, and community events. Their handles are @folacld on both platforms.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

FOLACLD has received numerous positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5/5 on Google My Business. Patrons appreciate the bookstore's vast selection, affordable prices, and friendly staff. Several reviews mention the following positive aspects:

Variety and Affordability: Customers commend the store's wide range of books, comics, and music at competitive prices. Many patrons find rare and hard-to-find items at FOLACLD, making their shopping experience worthwhile.
Community Spirit: Reviewers frequently highlight the sense of community fostered by FOLACLD. The store's involvement in local events and partnerships with educational institutions resonate with patrons, creating a strong connection to the bookstore.
Staff Knowledge and Friendliness: FOLACLD's staff are praised for their expertise, helpfulness, and warmth. Their willingness to assist patrons in finding specific titles or making recommendations enhances the overall shopping experience.

The Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District has carved out a special place in the hearts of Gainesville residents and visitors alike. With its unique blend of literature, art, and community engagement, FOLACLD stands as a testament to the power of books and the importance of fostering a love for reading. A visit to this charming bookstore is an absolute must for anyone seeking a delightful and enriching experience.

👍 Reviews of Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District

Friends of the Library Alachua County Library District - Gainesville, Florida

Yukti T.

5/5

Absolutely worth it! Go for the Fall sale and take out the time to spend finding art and books! You won't regret it.

There are books starting 25 cents to $1. The great ones in the collectors' section would be around $2-5. The art prints are also lovely, same pricing. They have some really good journals too for under $2. What a beautiful world to live in.

Ashley

2/5

I absolutely fell in love with this gem in the community when I learned about it upon moving into Gainesville a little over a year ago. My toddlers and I read so much and last year it brought such joy to us to get a box of cardboard books for $10! And ever since we gone every opening they’ve had. Unfortunately, I was disappointed going yesterday after getting there just to be told they have someone new running the event this year and aren’t offering the board books in boxes, only bags with 10 books for $5 when we use to get like 50 in a box for $10. This was double disappointing as I called that morning to confirm their availability and pricing and was told $10 for the box. When I told the 3 people at the event of my conversation, the response was basically ‘oh well, you just talked to someone who didn’t know’ which I feel was inappropriate as it’s not my issue but rather y’all’s problem. I should have been given my box as promised. It really put a bad taste in my mouth for going back as I used these books for our kids but also sharing in the community libraries. Consistency and communication needs to be corrected, just a recommendation.

Carrie D.

5/5

5 Star for the staff and volunteers. They are amazing at organizing the sales. Zero stars for the resellers who block aisles, clear out entire sections and are pushy and rude. I know the staff/volunteers do what they can with what they have. And my little purchases do not equal up to what a reseller purchases but it is coming to the point where it's no longer enjoyable or physically possible for me to enjoy the sales. I usually go for 3 days but I think this (10/24) will probably be my last. I would gladly pay an entry fee/cover fee to be able to shop earlier hours or later hours with no resellers.

Elizabeth G.

5/5

It was really crowded but i was happy to go. I can't wait for the next one in October

Mr C. D.

5/5

I have lived here a long time and never visited FOL. Went to the website and ordered childrens book from the BOB (bag of books). The selection was perfect for the Baba. It was easy, drive up, give your name, they bring out the books, drive away. I will be back. Thanks Friends. 👍

Keith I.

4/5

So many used books, CDs, records, games, paintings, and puzzles - most ranging from $0.25-1.75! If you have a love of reading and literature, this is the place for you!

Advice:
Arrive early.
Bring cash.
Use restroom before arrival.
Wear comfy clothes.
Bring something to carry your purchases.
Know what you are looking for.

Parking is kind of a hassle, but with so many people coming and going, you will probably be alright.

Klt4ever2

1/5

My husband and I arrived at this place at 6:30 in the morning I wanted to get books and board games and he wanted to get books. But the line was not our issue. Our issue is that we stood in that line for an hour before someone said “ if you’re going to get board games you have to get in the other line”. I went to the other line. When it was time to go in an hour and a half later, I went in and got the board games I wanted and was headed To go be with my husband in the book building. They told my husband that I could not be with him. So my husband asked to speak to whoever was in charge. The Woman who said she was the president told my husband that he had to talk to the employee who was letting people inside. He told my husband that I could not come in and that I would have to go back to the back of the line wrapped all the way around the building, after I had already waited from 6:30 AM until 9:00 AM to get into the board game room. I am 57 years old and have severe lung issues and severe bladder issues that cause me to bleeed internally so there was no way I could wait another couple hours in line. My husband explained to the guy that we had been there since 6:30 AM and that because they have separate buildings and the stuff I wanted was in another building I had no choice but to wait in the other line. And that we had just drove all the way from Tallahassee Fl. To get there. The guy flat out said “NO” I can’t come in. My husband who has severe heart issues just left the building without getting any books because he is a gentleman and did not want me to have to wait outside for him because he had just gotten inside and had just started looking. Apparently the woman who said she is the president In front of all those people can not as president make decisions, she obviously has to leave the decision making up to her employees who have no compassion whatsoever. What happened to us was completely wrong and uncalled for. So we left and my husband didn’t get a single book after driving all the way from Tallahassee Fl. We both had lower number tickets that they could plainly see were the numbers that they had already let in. There was no reason for this kind of treatment. We were treated like we were criminals that had stolen something from them. They had all the proof right in front of their eyes that we had been there since 6:30 AM because of the numbers on the tickets. This was uncalled for behavior and I would never ever treat them the way they treated my husband and I.

Rachel E.

4/5

This was my first visit to the FOL book sale. It is definitely an exercise in patience and what you save in money, you will lose in time. Having said that, I walked out with 5 books for $5 and not including my commute time, I was there searching in-store for 90 minutes. Since I plan to "gift" these books to my sister after I read them, it was worth it for me...but it's definitely much easier for me to go to the library where you will find the books organized by genre and author last name, which doesn't seem like an option at this location. If you have lots of time on your hands and don't mind crowds, this would be a great way to kill time browsing around for a few hours.