The Friends of JPL evolved from a need identified in 1968 for a community organization to plan and raise funds for a new library. When that mission was accomplished in 1970, the Friends continued their work to provide broad-based support for the library—a role the group continues today under the following mission statement:
The Friends of the Library support quality library services in the community through fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy for the library's programs.
Over the past 55 years, Friends activities have spanned a wide range of efforts, including sponsoring, organizing, and staffing public programs; underwriting resource needs; supporting library staff; and providing logistical and financial assistance for library-related purposes.
