The Friends of the Alexandrian Public Library was initially formed in 1977 to increase library volunteerism, expand library services, and help to construct a new library building. However, it was not until September 26th, 1988, that it was incorporated in the state of Indiana as a nonprofit corporation.

The Purpose of the Friends is to:

     maintain an association of persons interested in libraries;
     focus public attention of the library;
     stimulate the use of the library's resources and services;
     receive and encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library;
     support and cooperate with the library in developing library services and facilities for the community;
     lend legislative support where needed;
     support the freedom to read and view as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights