Friends of the College of the Desert Library News

55th Anniversary Celebrated with $55,000 donation

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 22:30:00 GMT

At the October 2025 Book Sale the Friends celebrated 55 years of giving to the COD Library with an annual donation of $55,000. Attending the celebration were COD President Val Martinez-Garcia, Dean of Communications and Humanities Dean Papas, Executive Director of the COD Foundation Catherine Abbott, many Friends volunteers, Library staff, and COD Foundation staff. The funds were raised through annual books sales, the Author Lunch, and membership. The funds will be used for the Textbook Rental program and other needs of the Library.

Presentation of $50,000 check in 2023

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 22:14:01 GMT

The mission of the Friends of the COD Library is to share enthusiasm for literature with Valley communities and to raise funds for the COD Library. The all-volunteer non-profit was founded in 1970 and has continually raised funds for the COD Library by holding book sales, author lunches and other literary events.

Their mission was accomplished when the COD Library was presented a donation of $50,000 and accepted by Library Department Chair Jin An-Dunning, Library Specialist Roger Bell, COD Foundation Executive Director Catherine Abbott and COD Foundation Financial Officer Kirstien Renna.

The presentation was made at the Friends Annual Author Lunch in December 2023 with guest author Kim Fay, who wrote Love and Saffron.

Presentation of $50,000 check in 2022

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:13:53 GMT

At the 2022Annual Author Lunch with Stephen Rowley, author of The Guncle, the Friends president Marge Dodge presented a check for $50,000 to Gary Plunkett, the Dean of Health Sciences & Education. The annual contribution was made possible by membership dues, proceeds of our book sales, author lunch and other events. This donation would not be possible without the support of our members, volunteers and COD.

Friends Awarded Power of Community Award

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 22:32:44 GMT

In the name of our long-time volunteer Laura Lee Marcarian the Friends of the COD Library were awarded the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant so we may continue our important outreach to our community. To read all the details in the Desert Sun article by Sandie Newton click here https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2022/05/06/mother-goose-earns-friends-cod-library-1-000-grant/9633755002/

$50,000 Donation to College of the Desert Library

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 21:47:13 GMT

At the 51st Annual Author Lunch a check for $50,000 was presented by the Friends Board of Directors to the COD Library. Accepting the check was Gary Plunkett, Dean Health Services & Education. Also attending Catherine Abbott, Dr. Martha Garcia, Christine Anderson, author Kate Quinn and Aurora Wilson.

Lift Up Local! Winners

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 19:26:16 GMT

The Friends are the winners of the "Lift Up Local!" $5,000 grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The grant is meant to lift up non-profits during this time of great need. Thank you to all who voted for us.

2019 Check Presentation to COD Library

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 20:48:10 GMT

On May 10, 2019, the Friends of the COD Library presented a check for $36,000 to Library Director Dr. Gary Ginther and COD Foundation Executive Director Dr. John Mosser. The gift to the Library was the result of three successful book sales, an author lunch, membership support and other events. Thank you to the many volunteers and members who made this day of celebration possible.

COD Library Presented with $40,000

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 22:15:06 GMT

Friends of the COD Library volunteers, Library Director Gary Ginther and staff, and COD Foundation executive director John Mosser gathered for a festive lunch and presentation of a $40,000 check to support Library needs that are unfunded.

Volunteer Betty Schafer was honored for her years of dedication in the book room and at book sales as she embarks on another chapter of her life in Oregon.

Volunteer Laura Lee Marcarian was acknowledged for 35 years of service to the Friends with an engraved statue.

Happy Summer!

2019 -2020 Events

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 22:08:24 GMT

Friends of the College of the Desert Library 2019-2020 Events

Fall Book Sale – November 1-3, 2019. Members only October 31.

Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 5-8, 2019

Winter Book Sale -- January 10-12, 2020. Members only January 9.

Author Lunch – February 1, 2020. Elizabeth Cobbs,

New York Times bestselling author of The Hamilton Affair and The Tubman Command.

Spring Book Sale – April 3-5, 2020. Members only April 2.

COD Street Fair – January 18 and March 21, 2020

Book Group -- third Wednesday of the month September - May