Our values
About us
No Library in South Walton?????? Unthinkable, right??
That was the case until1986, when a group of citizens led by John Foster rented a small storefront next to the Santa Rosa Beach Post Office to start a library….with used books!…
Community response was overwhelming. Inundated with so many books and so many people volunteering their time and talent, the volunteer library took over several more storefronts and began offering adult and children’s programs, space for local historical collections, exhibit space for local artists; Friends of the
Coastal Branch Library as a 501c3 non-profit was established. In 1993, Walton County allocated funds for rent and part time staff at the storefront library.
In 1998, Friends of the Coastal Branch Library initiated a Capital Fund Campaign to build the Coastal Branch Library. Again, the Community response was overwhelming; individual donations exceeded State and County dollars! At a cost of $2million dollars, the present Coastal Branch Library opened its doors in 2001.
Friends of the Coastal Branch Library’s mission remains the same: to support the programs, activities and equipment needs of the Coastal Branch Library, supplementing County and State funding. As a non-profit tax deductible entity, the Friends often qualify for various grant monies. (see programs).
Just like in the old days, The Friends solicit donations of used books, games, puzzles, CD’s, etc for resale in the Book Shop, annual book sales, and membership dues. While members volunteer on the Board of Directors, volunteer in the Friends’ Book Shop which is open daily, arrange art exhibits and initiate a variety of programs, there is no obligation to “volunteer”. Simple membership supports the mission!
Please consider becoming a Friend.
Our benefits
Who we are
Special events, book sales, classes and programs sponsored by Friends of Coastal Branch Library are a group on volunteers who help promote events, classes and programs for the residents of Walton County throughout the year. We partner with local artist and schools for “Art in Public Places” with free quarterly exhibits for our patrons and visitors to enjoy with acclaimed local artists participating. When you see a unusually painted Tiny Library throughout Walton County, it could be one of Victoria Seller’s Tiny Libraries provided through the Friends of the Library. We participate in bringing literacy and educational programs to all. Our latest project in an historical perspective on Walton Count and the series is available to view in the Library as well as available to schools and civic organizations. Please consider joining the Friends Group to get involved with your community library. For more information about our events and volunteer opportunities contact us here

Our Mission
To Strengthen the Library is Service to Our Community
The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library, Inc. is a non profit organization whose members are full and part-time residents of the Santa Rosa Beach Communities in Walton County, Florida. Our purpose is to raise funds for the support of the Coastal Branch Library and to foster the use of the library’s facilities by residents and visitors through public relations and community consciousness raising activities.
The Friend’s Board meets monthly to plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising projects and community relations efforts. All proceeds are available to the Library to help fund programs for all ages as well as capital contributions for larger projects. We are a 501(c)(3) and operate a book shop within the Library and sell donated gently used books at discounted prices. Our primary fund raising events has been one or two large book sales a year, our relationships with Grant awards from our community partners and support through memberships to the Friends of the Coastal Branch Library.