Join a community that sustains and strengthens Fondren Library
The Friends of Fondren Library (FoFL), founded in 1950, is dedicated to stimulating growth in library resources and facilities for the 21st century. The Friends seeks to heighten community and alumni interest in Fondren Library and to support academic programs at Rice University by funding library collections and facilities.
Our Services and Programs
- FoFL is the library's card holding membership for which members receive Fondren Library borrowing privileges for a one-year renewable term.
- FoFL provides resources to purchase materials and equipment for the library to improve the facility and develop the collection.
- FoFL 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.
- FoFL sponsors programs for the community such as lectures and a special reception honoring Rice authors, editors, artists, and composers.
- FoFL organizes special fund raising events benefiting the library endowments and programs.
Friends of Fondren Projects
Fine Arts Library and Sixth Floor Renovation
In celebration of the Friends' 75th anniversary, Friends of Fondren Library provided $350,000 to enhance two important library spaces: the Brown Fine Arts Library and the sixth-floor reading room. The improvements created more welcoming, flexible spaces for study, teaching and performance.
Digital Media Commons Studios
Friends of Fondren Library funding supported soundproofing improvements to the Digital Media Commons recording studios, allowing both studios to be used simultaneously and increasing access to these popular spaces for students and faculty.
