Friends Of The Williston Public Library

The Friends of the Williston Public Library was organized in October, 1995 with seven members. (An earlier Friends had disbanded several years before.) At that time the library was located in a room in the Williston City Hall complex.

In 1997, Perkins State Bank gave the City of Williston the building that, with extensive renovations paid for by the City, the State of Florida and the Felburn Foundation, became the library's new home.

In 1997 the Friends began the locally popular holiday tradition of the Christmas Baskets Auction, held at the library's Christmas Open House. The auction has become a marvelous money maker as well as a Williston Christmas Event for the whole town to enjoy whether they buy a basket or not.

By May, 1996, the membership had grown from seven to over 50 members and now to a steady 120 members. The funds from membership is the bedrock of the "Friends" budget. Six of the members are "life" members, having made a $500 gift to the organization.