The Friends of the McAllen Memorial Library was founded in 1967. The first president was Verne Offerman. Through the years the Friends have contributed in many ways. Add to this the continuous support of the purchase of books and library made possible by the Friends' used book store and membership dues. It is open seven afternoons a week, and is staffed entirely by volunteers.
All books sold are donations from the public.
Books donated to the Friends are first screened by library staff, and those which would benefit the library's collection are donated from the Friends to the Library and cataloged into the collection.