In 1954, The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library was founded. Their main purpose at this time was to assist the library board of directors in securing a new Central Library building. After the completion of the project, the friends took a major interest in cultural affairs in New Orleans. The friends put together luncheons which featured authors and celebrities and special exhibits. They also compiled a very popular summer reading program.

In the 1970s the group need a revitalization, they had moved away from their original purpose. The revitalization came in 1978 when the friends reactivated their charter. In 1986, the main purpose of the friends became, “to assists the New Orleans Public Library in supporting the needs of all learners in the city of New Orleans.” The friends have helped the city of New Orleans build, maintain, and service their buildings. Some of the most notable events and programs directed by the friends of the New Orleans Public Library consisted of Friends Fest 1990 – 1994, Book Sale and Auction, Free University of New Orleans, and Author meet & greets and luncheons.

Since their reactivation, the friends provide financial and other resources to the library, they have increased the libraries visibility in the community, they have sponsored programs and services and they have promoted the value of learning. Today, the friends financially sponsor the summer reading program, children’s book week, adult programs and creative writing workshops. They also purchase supplies, award scholarships to librarians continuing their education and provide grants directly to each of the 14 library locations.