Twice a year, Friends of the Urbana Regional Library (FURL) hosts a large book sale in the community room of the Urbana library. This weekend FURL was scheduled to host the Fall book sale. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic forced us to cancel our sale for the second time this year. “The changing times require FURL as a nonprofit to adapt, so we have kicked off our first ever donation based fundraising campaign” says Katie Esposito, FURL President. The money raised from the book sales goes directly back to support the Urbana Library.

The donation based fundraiser is taking a multi-pronged approach to raising money. We are reaching out via mail, email, and social media and asking FURL members and community members to donate cash. In the first three days of the campaign, FURL has raised more than $500 online. The goal is to raise $3,500 before October 1.

In the last 13 years, FURL has raised more than $75,000. The money has supported library programs like the World Market children’s play center, the new Teen Studio, the Summer Reading Program, the Starlight Film Festival, and the Hispanic Heritage celebration. Throughout the shutdown, FURL has also purchased snacks for the library staff as they work fulfilling book requests and curbside pickup.

If you are interested in contributing to the FURL Fall Fundraiser go to our special donation website. All contributions are tax deductible. Every dollar you donate pays dividends in the community.

FURL truly appreciates the community support for the library, and we hope to be back to selling donated books again soon!