Enriching the University Library

The Friends of the UCSC Library work to enrich the University Library and strengthen it as a vital center for scholarly life. We have an enthusiasm for books and learning, as well as an appreciation of the library's importance to the University and the community.
 
When you join the Friends of the UCSC library, you support the University Library and help to enhance its collections and services. In addition, you receive library borrowing privileges and other membership benefits, including off-campus access to the online magazine, journal and newspaper resource, ProQuest Research Library.  
 
Share the many wonders of the University Library with your relatives, friends, employers or employees by giving a membership in the Friends of the UCSC Library.    

  
    Join the Friends or Renew Your Membership

 
Online

Join, renew or give a membership online in 2 steps: 
 
(1)  Send email to fol@ucsc.edu.  Tell us your name, address, telephone number, and email address.  If you are giving membership as a gift, please give us this information about yourself and the same information for your friend.  Tell us which type of membership you want (see below for types and fees). 
 
When we receive your credit card payment, we'll mail you or your gift recipient the membership / library card. 
 
(2)  Pay by credit card.  From the drop down menus choose "Community Programs & Resources" and "Friends of the UCSC Library." 
Annual membership fees:
Student:  $35 (person must be registered at an accredited institution of learning)
Regular:  $50 
Patron:    $100
Lifetime membership fee is $500
 
By Mail
 
Tell us your name, address, telephone number, and email address.  If you are giving membership as a gift, please give us this information about yourself and the same information for your friend.  Tell us which type of membership you want.
 
Annual membership fees:
Student:  $35 (person must be registered at an accredited institution of learning)
Regular:  $50 
Patron:    $100
Lifetime membership fee is $500
 
Address mail to Friends of the UCSC Library, University Library, University of California, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA  95064.   
 
Include your check or credit card information in payment for the membership.  When we receive your instructions and payment, we'll mail you or your gift recipient the membership / library card.
 
In Person
 
Join, renew, or give a gift membership in person at the Circulation Desk of McHenry Library or the Science & Engineering Library.  At each desk you'll find a membership form to fill in and submit.  With your payment by check, credit card, or money order, you'll get your membership / library card immediately. 
 
 

Sponsoring the Essay Contest

The Friends of the UCSC Library have sponsored the University Book Collection Essay Contest since 1967.   High school students participate in one division and UCSC students in the other. 
 
UCSC Students:  Imagine a collection of books and other written or recorded sources on a subject of global importance.  Then write an essay describing your collection and explaining why your collection is so important. 
 
High School Students:  Imagine a collection of books you would like to own on a subject you care about.  Then write an essay of up to 1,000 words describing your dream collection and explaining why your collection is important to you. 
 
Winners receive cash awards and have an excellent addition to their resumes.   Winning essays become a part of the University Library collection.  See the guidelines for UCSC and high school students. 
 
An awards ceremony held at the end of April honors winners and Friends of the Library volunteers. 
 
City on a Hill Press featured an article about the 2009 contest.
 
Key dates for the 2010 contest: 
Essays submitted by Friday 2 April
Judges' decisions due by Tuesday 20 April
Winners notified by day's end Friday 23 April
Awards ceremony at McHenry Library Thursday 29 April from 5 - 6 p.m.