Friends of Central Atlanta Library, Inc. (FOCAL) is a private, non-profit organization formed in 2002 whose mission is to:
- promote interest in and appreciation of the Central Library,
- enhance the quality of services and programming provided by the Central Library, and
- carry on charitable and educational purposes and activities in support of the Central Library.
Specific objectives are:
Fundraising: Raise funds primarily through community-based activities (e.g. book sales, ticketed events at the library, dinners), donations, and membership campaigns. This money is allocated back to fund special projects at the library.
Advocacy: Promote the library in the community; encourage greater participation from local neighborhoods and businesses; lobby local government for library needs; help facilitate relationships between the library and potential allies.
Volunteerism: Encourage volunteerism at the Central Library and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.