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I’m on the board of my local Friends of the Library, and one of the projects that I’ve taken on is helping develop an online merchandise store. It’s been a lot of fun learning where and how to set up an online shop, what kinds of items to stock it with, and how to set prices so the Friends can bring in cash to support the library’s various projects. It’s also been neat to see how talented the library’s design committee is–the first batch of seasonal designs they presented included everything from a classic cat on a stack of books to a design that captures all of the unique items within the library to an homage to the creatures who populate the library’s fish tank and even two different designs honoring one of our town’s most significant claims to fame: the groundhog. We’ve also got a pair of really popular designs about the importance of fighting for your right to read.
Part of the work in this project included exploring many other online merch stores hosted by Friends of the Library groups nationwide. This gave me a sense of how much stuff they offered and the variety of items. With National Library Month almost here, it seemed more than worth sharing some of that research so that you, too, can don some new library swag.
These shops showcase local library love and a passion for what libraries do. It’s a bonus that when you open your wallet for any of these fun finds, those Friends groups can use that money to do more good for the libraries they support.
Mount Pleasant Friends
One of the most iconic library tees asks, “What’s more punk than the public library?” We can thank the Mount Pleasant Friends of the Library for that. The group supports the Mount Pleasant branch of the Washington, D.C., library.
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Their entire shop is excellent, though I’m somewhat partial to the design that features a library card with the words “friends with benefits.” Check out the merch here.
Seattle Friends
The Seattle Public Library’s memorable central library design inspires many of the items in its Friends of the Library shop. But it doesn’t stop there. You can find so many fun items, ranging from tees and stickers to totes and towels. Some are items designed by them, while others are fun gifts sourced from other vendors.
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The central library isn’t the only design star, though. You can see just how many unique building styles compose the Seattle Public Library system thanks to this fun tote.
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Peruse the whole Friends of the Seattle Public Library shop here.
Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The Saint Paul Friends keep their offerings minimal, but they are all so good. There’s a nice vintage vibe to some of the items, as well as a real leaning into the idea that everyone can be a friend to the library–capital F or not.
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And the messaging on this tote? Perfection.
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Snag some of their sweet Friends swag here.
Friends of the Kaukauna Public Library
If you’re looking for a selection of “yay libraries” and “why libraries are important” shirts, look no further. There’s fun here, just as much as there’s a serious message being conveyed.
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The rainbow colored font gives the shirt so much energy.
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Shop the Friends of the Kaukauna Library here.
Friends of the Washington Parish Library
This might be a design that inspires my Friends’ online shop because it’s so good. An 80s throwback in bright colors? Count me in.
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The Friends of the Washington Parish Library don’t have additional designs, and they don’t need to. You can grab this as a shirt, a mug, a tote, or as a notebook.
Friends of the Worcester Public Library
Remember a few years ago when Worcester Public Library made headlines for one of the most unique fine forgiveness programs around? The Friends of the library leaned into the cat-photo-showing madness for some great swag.
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What’s great is you don’t have to remember the program that led to this design because the design stands alone. There are a few more items available at this Friends store, too, worth checking out.
Friends of the St. Joseph County Public Library
The St. Joe Friends merch shop has three designs, and each is perfect.
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Where the above styles lean into “yay libraries” with retro flair, the Friends also have a top that serves as a reminder of what’s at stake for libraries in this moment.
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The third and final design is a nice take on the library’s initials and the community’s geographic features. You can find that and the above designs in their shop.
Friends of the Milton Public Library
Two words: sweater vest.
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One more word: cardigan
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Check out the full catalog of fun swag from the Friends of the Milton Public Library.
Want to check out more rad library swag? We’ve gotcha. Here are some library themed DIYs, some bookish neon signs, and bookish stickers for your nostalgia-loving heart.
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