With more than 250 members, FRIENDS of the CCBC is an active organization that supports the work and outreach of the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC), a unique and vital gathering place for books, ideas and expertise in the field of children's and young adult literature housed in the School Education of the University of Wisconsin.  The FRIENDS of the CCBC publish the annual CCBC Book Choices, sponsor events  and programs to foster public appreciation for children's literature and provide funds for many additional projects of the Cooperative Children's Book Center.

The FRIENDS publish a newsletter two times a year that provides information on the organization's current activities as well as what is happening at the CCBC. Frequently, the FRIENDS newsletter includes original interviews with authors, illustrators, and children's and young adult literature specialists.

In addition, The FRIENDS hold book sales twice a year to raise money for their activities.

In the past the FRIENDS have sponsored a wide-array of events and programs supporting the work of the CCBC, which have included:

• Programs in Madison featuring speakers such as Yuyi Morales, Leonard Marcus, Paul Fleischman, Rita Williams Garcia, Lemony Snicket, Jaqueline Woodson and many others.
• Funding for substantial projects in the CCBC's Historical Collection and Alternative Press Collection
• Publication, distribution, and sale of the annual CCBC Choices
• Financial support for the Charlotte Zolotow Award and Lecture and sale of its seals and notecards.
• Volunteer assistance at the CCBC and for Friends programs 
• Gifts to enhance the visual and working environment of the CCBC including the custom-made exhibit case, the restoration and framing of Ed Emberley's Paul Bunyan, banners and shelving units 

“A childhood without books – that would be no childhood. That would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy.” 
― Astrid Lindgren

The FRIENDS of the CCBC is always looking for new members who share an interest in children's literature.  
For more information about becoming a member of FRIENDS of the CCBC or to support its vital work,
​click on "Support the FRIENDS" above.