The Book Nook storefront sign beside a window display of books

About

Supporting Our Library. Building Community. Sharing the Love of Books.

Founded in 1987, the Friends played a key role in bringing a library to Westlake Village and have proudly supported it ever since. For nearly four decades, our volunteers have helped strengthen the library as a vibrant community resource.

A cornerstone of our fundraising efforts is The Book Nook, our volunteer-operated used bookstore. Stocked entirely with books donated by members of the community, the Book Nook offers affordable books while generating funds that directly benefit the library.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, shoppers, and volunteers, the Friends help provide books, periodicals, furnishings, equipment, and educational and cultural programs for children, teens, and adults. Every purchase and every donation helps ensure that the Westlake Village Library continues to be a welcoming place for learning, discovery, and community connection.

The Friends of the Westlake Village Library is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support and enhance our library through volunteer service, advocacy, and fundraising. We believe libraries are at the heart of strong communities, providing opportunities for learning, discovery, and connection.

Beyond Our Shelves

A Second Life for Every Book

By sharing books beyond the Book Nook, we give them a second life — extending the joy of reading and strengthening communities both near and far.

The Book Nook's mission extends beyond our shelves. When we receive books that are surplus to our needs, we look for opportunities to place them where they can continue to inform, inspire, and bring comfort to others.

For the Troops

We're proud to support For the Troops, a Simi Valley nonprofit that sends care packages to active-duty military personnel serving around the world. Each package includes a paperback book or magazine — a small reminder of home and a welcome source of relaxation and connection.

Topanga Women's Circle

During the holiday season, we provide children's books to families moving into transitional housing in Los Angeles through Topanga Women's Circle, helping parents build home libraries and create special moments of reading together during times of change.

African Library Project

Some of our surplus children's books are donated to the African Library Project, which partners with communities to establish sustainable libraries throughout English-speaking regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, helping to expand access to books and encourage a lifelong love of reading.

LA Library Books for Jails

We also support the Los Angeles Library Books for Jails initiative, which sends paperbacks throughout the LA County jail system.

Scholarship Program

Investing in the next generation of readers

Each year we award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from each of our three local high schools: Agoura Hills, Westlake, and Oak Park.

Eligible students must be planning to pursue a degree at a 2-year or 4-year college or heading to trade school, and must submit an essay about how libraries or books have influenced them.

$1,000
Per scholarship
3
Local high schools
1
Awarded annually, per school

Visit Often!

New donations arrive every day

Which means new books, new discoveries, and new reasons to stop by. Come browse, stay awhile, and discover why the Book Nook has become one of Westlake Village's favorite hidden treasures!

Browse . Discover . Connect . Support Your Library