The Friends of Fondren Library is among the premier library support organizations in the nation. Founded in 1950, we are dedicated to stimulating growth in library resources and facilities for the 21st century. The Friends seek to heighten community and alumni interest in Fondren Library and to support academic programs at Rice University by funding library collections and facilities.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Our Services

• --Provides resources to purchase materials and equipment for the library and to improve the facility and develop the collection.
• --Sponsors a gifts and memorials program that provides the library purchasing power beyond its university allocations. The library's gift program raises funds for the purchase of otherwise unattainable books, manuscripts, and CDs.
• --Publicizes the library's resources and services as well as acknowledges the generosity of its donors through the Friends' newsletter, The Flyleaf. 
• --Sponsors programs for the community such as lectures and a special reception honoring Rice authors, editors, artists, and composers.
• --Organizes special fund raising events benefiting the library endowments and programs.

Our Customer Service Standards

1. 1. Walk-in patrons will be greeted immediately and pleasantly.
2. 2. Phone calls will be answered between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday- Friday and phone messages will be returned within 24 hours.
3. 3. Inquiries that must be researched will be answered within 24 hours.
4. 4. Membership applications will be processed and mailed within seven days of receipt of application.
5. 5. Gifts and memorial donations will be processed and mailed within seven days of receipt of gift.