Our "pivot" to distance Programs

This is a challenging time.
"Stay at home/quedarse en casa" has meant that:
  • Schools have been closed, reopening only with distance learning for the time being.
  • Our Bookmobile is sidelined temporarily.
  • Our Reading Festival has been postponed.
But here's the good news. Our amazing team, led by Coordinator of Programs Marcela Félix, has been hard at work and has created the incredible interactive site, Somos Lectores...a distancia (We are readers.... at a distance), which you can click on below to see what the children can explore.
It is full of options for students to read, to hear stories, to create their own stories and share them... and more.
Sometimes something wonderful comes from hardship. This is one of them.
Not to be outdone, they have tailored the operations of the Bookmobile with the new "Reading to go" (Lecturas para llevar) program

Our Virtual Fundraiser

Now, for a limited time,  7 paintings by the renowned local artist,  Germán Rubio, which were commissioned by FOL to embellish our bookmobile, are offered for sale. The proceeds of the sale will be divided equally between FOL and Germán Rubio.
Learn more. See all the paintings.
We welcome you as a member.
Or send a one time donation. We gratefully accept donations in any amount comfortable for you.
Find up to date info on our events and activities on Facebook

Who we are

Friends of the Library is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of unpaid volunteers who work with Rosarito schools and libraries to demonstrate to children and families how reading helps improve life in the community.
    • Friends of the Library was established in 2006 by Rosarito residents who understood that people with a love of reading generate a better quality of life  for everyone.   
    • Our programs aid and support the operations of the libraries in Rosarito by creating and implementing activities that encourage reading throughout the city.
    • We raise money for our projects through paid memberships, donations and community events.

What We Believe

  • We believe that a person who reads will have a brighter future with more opportunities.
  • We believe that a person who reads will be a lifelong learner.
  • We believe that a person who reads can travel the world, meet new people, explore a world of ideas by the simple process of opening the pages of a book.
  • We believe that to excite children about reading we need innovative programs with exciting reading-related activities
  • We know that UNESCO studies have ranked Mexico last among over 100 countries in having the habit of reading.
  • We believe that we can change that, starting with the City of Rosarito, with programs to put books into the hands of children and families, promote reading, and support the public libraries.

Our Mission

To promote reading for enjoyment, enrichment and learning
in the Rosarito Beach community.

Our Vision

To have as many young students and their families as possible reading quality books and having access to them through more and better equipped libraries in Rosarito

What people say about us

From some parents of children in our programs -
  • "My child is now more sure of himself and knows that he can succeed in whatever he tries." 
  • "This is a very good program because it promotes reading and brings families together."  
  • “You can not imagine how great the influence has been of your marvelous program on the life of my daughter. She now wants to be part of your group when she grows up, to do what you do… bring the excitement of the books to all the children who do not know how wonderful it is to enter the world of reading.” 
From the children in our programs -
  • “The truth is I didn’t read books before, but these books hooked me and I didn’t want to put them down.”
  • “It was a beautiful experience that taught me not to fear losing or to give a wrong answer.”
  • “I’m going to try to follow your example and strive to fulfill my goals.”
 From a School Sponsor at the Copa Panchito Final
"I have to say that was the best $200 I ever spent. I got so much more out of it than I put in! The kids were great and their parents were so very nice to me. The event was spectacular - a really big deal for the kids. It was my first time seeing the color guard and the national anthem... Thanks for all your hard work and for getting me involved. I loved it!”

From one of the school principals in Rosarito Lee/Copa Panchito
"Thank you very much for the memorable experiences provided to our students. You, wonderful human beings, made it possible."