A Letter to Our Community
For nearly 50 years, the Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany has been part of the fabric of this parish. As an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we have spent every one of those years doing something simple but meaningful: turning donated books into resources that strengthen our libraries, support our students, and bring our community together. Today, we are writing to share some difficult news and to ask for your help.
A Change We Didn’t Plan For
St. Tammany Parish Government has generously provided our organization with rent-free space at 1301 N. Florida Street for many years. Due to the building’s deteriorating condition, our lease must end this July. We fully understand the decision, and we are grateful for the years of support. But it means our close to 2,500 square feet of wall-to-wall books, movies, puzzles, and educational materials—and the volunteers who sort, organize, and sell them—will soon have nowhere to go.
The Difference We’ve Made Together
Nearly every dollar we earn goes right back into the community. Over our 50 years of service, a countless number of items have been sold and hours volunteered. In just the past five years, our monthly book sales and silent auctions have generated more than $63,000 in direct contributions by selling approximately 180,000 items using 25,000 volunteer hours:
We contributed $39,325 to the St. Tammany Parish Library system, funding Summer Reading Programs, the Covington Musical Garden, the Lee Road branch renovation, technology upgrades for Children’s Librarians, and eAudio book purchases.
Through the Lisbeth Millard Scholarship, we have awarded $23,950 to St. Tammany Parish graduating seniors pursuing four-year degrees—and we have increased the award over time as costs have risen for our students and their families.
Beyond the numbers, our work touches lives in quieter ways. We donate books to nursing homes, veterans’ groups, prisons, maternity homes, and library craft programs. Hundreds of residents attend our monthly sales—homeschooling families looking for children’s books, collectors searching for something rare, and neighbors who simply enjoy affordable reading and good company. Our sales average around $2,000 per month, and because we are entirely volunteer-run, we keep overhead near zero so that every possible dollar reaches the people and programs that need it.
How You Can Help
We are hopeful about the future, but we cannot chart a path forward alone. We are looking for:
A new space — approximately 2,500 square feet of donated, discounted, or affordable warehouse, retail, or commercial space where we can store inventory and hold our monthly public sales.
Financial support — contributions, grants, or sponsorships to help cover lease costs, facility preparation, or moving expenses. Our goal is to obtain $12,000 per year.
Connections and ideas — introductions to government programs, NGO or foundation grants, corporate partners, or creative solutions we may not have considered.
Your Support Is Tax-Deductible
Because we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every contribution you make to the Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Whether you give money, space, or services, your generosity can work for you at tax time:
Monetary donations of any size are fully deductible as charitable contributions. We will provide a written acknowledgment for your records.
Donated or below-market-rate space can also provide a tax benefit. Property owners who donate the use of commercial space can typically deduct the fair market rental value of the donated occupancy. If you offer space at a reduced rate, you may be able to deduct the difference between the fair market rent and the amount charged. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor to understand the full benefit available to you.
In-kind contributions—such as moving services, shelving, furniture, or supplies—are generally deductible at their fair market value. We will gladly provide documentation for any in-kind gifts received.
Ways to Give
However, you choose to help, we are grateful. Here are the easiest ways to contribute:
By check — Make checks payable to “Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany” and mail to: Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany, 1301 N. Florida Street, Covington, LA 70433.
By electronic transfer or online payment — Please reach out to us at friendsofweststammany@gmail.com and we will provide payment details.
Gifts of space, services, or materials — We would love to hear from you. Contact us directly to discuss your offer, and we will provide a donation receipt documenting your contribution for tax purposes.
Your donation will be acknowledged on our website and at special events.
We have served this community for half a century, and we hope to serve it for fifty more. If you are in a position to help—with space, funding, or simply a conversation that points us in the right direction—we would be deeply grateful to hear from you.
Contact us: Alice McNeal at (479) 244-0503 or at friendsofweststammany@gmail.com, opens a new window
Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany • 501(c)(3) Nonprofit • Serving St. Tammany Parish since 1977
All donations are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the specific deductibility of your contribution.
About the Friends
Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(3)(c) organization whose mission is to help the library with additional funding generated through monthly book sales and a book auction.
Lisabeth Millard Scholarship
The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany – “Lisabeth Millard Scholarship" is a $2,800 scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior who will be attending an accredited four (4) year college or university starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
The scholarship will be paid in the amount of $700.00 per academic year in installments of $350.00 for the spring and fall semesters. The total amount over a four (4) year academic program is $2,800.00.
The student must reside in St. Tammany Parish to be eligible to receive the scholarship.
The Friends is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026.
The application should be mailed to the address below or dropped off at our building (1301 North Florida in Covington)on Tuesday or Thursday between 10-2.
Recipients of the 2025 Lisabeth Millard Scholarship
The first recipient is Timothy St. Angelo, son of Susan and Cary St. Angelo. Timothy is a recent graduate from Lakeshore High School who plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University to obtain a major in Nursing.
The second recipient is Marcelle Holley, daughter of Danielle and Larry Holley. She attended First Baptist Christian School until the 9th grade and graduated from Agape Christian Academy this May. Marcelle plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University to obtain a major in English.
All book sales are held at the Friends of the Library of West St .Tammany building located at 1301 N. Florida St. in Covington, near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds. Find books, DVDs, music and audio CDs , and some puzzles from $3. There is often a large selection of home school items as well as children's books. All proceeds support St. Tammany Parish Libraries.
Upcoming Sale: April 17 & 18
The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany will have a book sale on Friday & Saturday, April 17 & 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Items starting as low as 25 cents!
Special collections, vintage books, and book sets are individually priced.
The Friends are taking donations but ask for NO audio cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, or vinyl records. Please leave donations on our front porch by the door. Don’t leave donations on our back porch; they’ll be exposed to the weather.
2026 Sale Dates:
- January – 16 & 17
- February – 20 & 21
- March – 20 & 21
- April – 17 & 18
- May – 15 & 16
- June – 19 & 20
- July – 17 & 18
- August – 14 & 15
- September – 18 & 19
- October – 16 & 17
- November – 20 & 21
- December – 18 & 19
Free Books
We also have a “free books” table available on the porch of our building located at 1301 N Florida St. in Covington every day. Please come by and take any of the books you wish.
Silent Auction Information
A Silent Auction is held in a glass case alternating each month at the Covington, Causeway, and Madisonville Library branches. Books up for auction are high-value in various subjects and are in almost new condition but with very low starting bids.
The selection of books changes each month. Bids are taken at the circulation desk and winners who have made the top bid are notified by phone.
Auction Lists for April 2026
Causeway
The Cinema of George Lucas – Starting Bid: $3
Beautifully illustrated book for every fan. Retail: $12
The Breath of a Wok - Starting Bid: $5
Includes 125 recipes for Chinese Wok cooking. Retail: $22
TCM Broadway Musical DVD Set -Starting Bid: $5
Four classic Broadway musicals. Retail: $19
A Mother's Daily Prayer Book – Starting Bid: $3
Beautifully illustrated book with 365 prayers. Retail: $9
Works of Mark Twain - Starting Bid: $6
Four famous works of Twain with illustrations. Retail: $23
Nancy Drew Starter Set - Starting Bid: $12
6-volume boxed set of the Nancy Drew series. Retail: $50
The Little Book of Saints – Starting Bid: $4
Beautiful color illustrations of Catholic saints. Retail: $13
The Illustrator's Notetaking Bible – Starting Bid: $3
A unique Bible reading experience to make your own. Retail: $9
Month By Month Gardening in LA - Starting Bid: $8
A guide for success in your gardening efforts. Retail: $33
Master of the Bouquet – Starting Bid: $6
Beautiful floral paintings by Stanislas Kostka. Retail: $23
Jesus Calling for Graduates and Taking Flight – Starting Bid: $5
150 devotions for the graduate in your life. Retail: $14
Covington
No silent auction for the Covington Branch this month.
Madisonville
Rick Steves' Europe DVD Collection - Starting Bid: $8
100+ episodes and 57 hours of fascinating history and travel across Europe. Retail: $35
Van Gogh and His Art - Starting Bid: $8
Details the dramatic life of this acclaimed artist with many of his most famous paintings, including full-page color prints. Retail: $30
Georgia O' Keeffe - Starting Bid: $10
Over 100 of her most beloved artworks, plus several rarely displayed works from her personal estate and private collections. Retail: $40
Trusting in God - Starting Bid: $5
Daily devotional in new condition with inspirational daily readings. Retail: $18
101 Incredible Experiments - Starting Bid: $5
Fun scientific activities for old and young alike to enjoy, using items already in your household. Retail: $18
Dogs - Starting Bid: $10
Stunning photography of man's best friend alongside insights into the complex relationship we share with our canine companions. Retail: $40
Smithsonian Earth - Starting Bid: $8
A rich treasure trove of details and photos of Earth from the inner core to the outer beauty of deserts, volcanoes, waterways, forests, and more. Retail: $33
Inside the Vatican - Starting Bid: $6
A rare look into the beautiful art, ceremonies, architecture, and history of the Vatican. Retail: $22
The Lionel Legend - Starting Bid $4
Explore the history of iconic Lionel model trains and enjoy over 400 photos of different locomotives from the very first to the Polar Express. Retail: $18
Norman Rockwell - Starting Bid $7
Over 400 of Rockwell's illustrations, including full-color plates, plus anecdotes and stories about his art and life. Retail: $30
Volunteer with the Friends!
Teens and adults are welcome to volunteer at our building every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. As a special thank you, volunteers will receive 1 free book per service hour. To find out more about volunteering or set up a training orientation call Alice at (479) 244-0503.
Donations
We appreciate and are grateful for your book donations. They can be brought to 1301 N. Florida Street, Covington, LA 70433 on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm when volunteers are here to assist you. Please note that we don’t accept encyclopedias, magazines, LP records or VHS tapes. We can provide a receipt for your donations if you choose.
Contact the Friends
Physical Address
1301 N. Florida St.
Covington, LA 70433
Mailing Address
Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany
P. O. Box 3292
Covington, LA 70434
Email FriendsofWestStTammany@gmail.com
Phone (985) 900-2160
Sign up for the Friends' Newsletter
Stay on top of upcoming sales, auctions, and more.