Friends of the DC Public Library

Who are the Friends?

Friends across the city help to promote public use and community support for the library, to foster appreciation of its value as a cultural and educational asset to the community, and to focus public attention on the resources, services, and needs of the library.

What do the Friends do?

  • Friends fundraise for our local branches and DC Public Library system
  • Friends advocate for DCPL's budget
  • Friends organize special programming
  • Friends sponsor and volunteer at our library
  • Friends help to publicize library services, resources, and activities

Membership dues and donations are used to enhance and promote library resources and services including adult and children’s programs, summer reading, book discussion groups, bilingual programming, and much more.

Federation Leadership

Mark Pattison

President


Mark was elected as President effective October 2025.  A two time President of the Shepherd Park Friends. His first stint was 2011-14. He became secretary in 2019, and returned as president in 2021.

A Washington resident since 1989, Mark patronized three libraries in his native Detroit depending on where his father’s (and later his own) transportation took him.

 


Brenda Richardson 

Vice President


Brenda has been appointed as Vice President effective October 2025.  She is President of the Parklands-Turner Friends and a proud resident of Ward 8.  She is working with DCPL on the construction of the new Congress Heights Library.


Robert T. Oliver 

Treasurer


Robert stepped down from the Presidency in October 2025 and was appointed as Treasurer.  

Earlier, Robert was appointed as president of the Federation of Friends effective June 2021. 

Robert was then elected President on October 2021.  He also is the Founder and current President of the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends established in 2017. 

Robert is a life-long resident of Washington, DC.


Robin Diener

Secretary


Robin was elected to Secretary effective October 2025.  She was formerly the Membership Secretary where she worked directly with the Friends membership.


Robin Cole

Membership Secretary


Robin was elected the Membership Secretary, October 2025.  She is a graduate of the Catholic University of America with a Master's degree in Library and Information Science.  She is also an active member of the American Library Association and a member of the District of Columbia Library Association.  She is the President of the Friends of the Woodridge Library.





The Federation of Friends of the D.C. Public Library is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
901 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001