Our Mission
Our mission is to advocate for the library as an important resource and key asset for Aberdeen and surrounding residents. We will build an active, diverse community of library supporters and promote use of the library as an aid in personal enrichment, improved literacy and lifelong learning for all age groups.
Our Story
The Friends of the Aberdeen Library was formed in 2014 after Barbara Allred, a lifelong member of the community, noticed that the current Aberdeen library was inadequate for the growing needs of the town.
Built over a century ago, the Page Memorial Library is the second oldest continuous-use library in the state. With that time, however, the current library has struggled to meet the needs of the growing local community. With a group of interested citizens, she formed a grassroots, non-profit organization, sought out local endorsements, and began fundraising to build a new, modern library.
In the fall of 2022, we were offered a town-owned building. It was originally built in 1912 as the Aberdeen Wholesale Grocery Distribution Warehouse, located at 123 Exchange Street. The renovations required were extensive but with the town providing $200,000 as initial funds, the FOAL Board accepted the town’s offer and in January 2023 a Capital Campaign began. Within three years FOAL had raised $1.1 million and the renovation was completed. The new library opened February 4, 2026!
In 2018, prior to the building renovations, FOAL purchased an empty lot across the street from the new Aberdeen Park Library. We are now near completion of the LIBRARY GREEN AND THE READING GARDEN PARK! Benches have been installed with more to come; a water feature will be completed soon as well as a pergola, outdoor art, additional shrubs, trees and a pollinator garden.
Our vision is near complete …… a cultural complex, which includes the new public library, the Library Green, and the Reading Garden Park, as well as the nearby Artist’s League of the Sandhills and public children’s playground with picnic shelter and restrooms. This is a valuable resource for the community and will provide a sense of place for all residents to enjoy. The new library will continue the tradition of literacy that the Aberdeen library has built over the last century.
Read our organization’s by-laws here.
Read the minutes from FOAL Board Meeting on April 23, 2026 here.
Archived Minutes
February, 2025 May, 2025 August, 2025 January, 2026 April, 2026
March, 2025 June, 2025 September, 2025 February, 2026
FAQs
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The Town of Aberdeen - Mayor, Commissioners, and Town Manager - have formed a committee, charged with creating an archival library/museum for the town in the Page Memorial building.
The intent is to preserve the building as a historical library, with a repository for archival documents and information about Aberdeen and its founding families.
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The building and furnishings are owned and maintained by the Town of Aberdeen. The books will be provided by the Sandhills Regional Library System, an affiliate of NC State Libraries. The full-time librarian’s salary and benefits will be paid for by the County of Moore and the town of Aberdeen will pay for a half-time employee. FOAL will supplement this system with financial aid for special programs, e.g., a summer reading program for children, invited speakers for adults.
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Yes, all contributions are tax-deductible! We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
If you make a donation, you will receive a letter shortly after with our thanks and our tax ID, which you can use when filing your taxes.