The Cobb Library Foundation is proud to announce the launch of The Cobb Library Shop, a groundbreaking merchandise store with a mission-driven purpose: to strategically fund marketing and outreach initiatives for the Cobb County Public Library. This first-of-its-kind fundraising concept uses merchandise sales not only to generate revenue, but also to expand the library’s brand into new industries and strengthen its presence in the community.
Founded in 2003, the Cobb Library Foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the library experience for over 700,000 residents through funding critical programs and infrastructure. The Foundation has consistently stepped in to provide financial support to marketing and outreach initiatives— ensuring the library remains visible, relevant, and deeply engaged with the community. Recognizing the need for a sustainable, ongoing source of funding for these efforts, Slone Williams, (CUE) Community and User Engagement Division Manager, Cobb County Library, advocated for a dynamic solution— establish a permanent, virtual-inventory merchandise store designed to generate ongoing funding for this essential mission.
“This project reflects the Cobb Library Foundation’s commitment to investing in innovative partnerships that strengthen the library and our community. Together, we’ve transformed a vision into a meaningful way to support the library’s mission, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Sandra Morris, Executive Director, Cobb Library Foundation.
All revenue generated by The Cobb Library Shop flows directly back into the Foundation, fueling initiatives that elevate the library’s visibility, deepen community engagement, and strengthen connections.
“With over 400,000 active library card holders, our community’s passion for the library is undeniable—and we’re equally committed to serving them. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a dynamic platform that goes far beyond merchandise sales. We are building a vital bridge between the library and our community, opening fresh opportunities to celebrate our shared love of reading and lifelong learning. To ensure sustainability and impact, I’ve requested a 6-month trial period with less than a $700 investment in startup costs. The shop represents a bold, innovative marketing channel that amplifies our brand, reinforces the library’s forward-thinking spirit, and extends our reach like never before,” said Slone Williams.
The Cobb Library Shop will debut with six themed collections that celebrate the library’s culture, community, and creativity. Featured collections include: Library Holiday Market, a curated holiday collection of library-inspired gifts; Once Upon a Fam’, a family-centered line; Bookmobile Buddies, inspired by the library’s beloved mobile outreach; Librarian Said What?!, a playful nod to the wit and wisdom of library life; Legacy: Unleashed, blending Georgia’s shifting seasons with bold, modern design; and The Legacy Collection, showcasing staff favorites with the signature Cobb Library logo.
In addition to staff-designed collections, the shop welcomes community participation. Anyone can submit designs for consideration, and if selected, the store will give full credit to the artist in product descriptions and may feature them in promotions. This initiative ensures the shop reflects not only the library’s identity but also the creative spirit of the people it serves. The shop offers a diverse range of fashion-forward, library-themed apparel, accessories, and home essentials emblazoned with the library’s signature logos and department mascots, Dewey Decimal and Rita Book. Community members and staff are invited to contribute designs and ideas, fueling an ever-expanding lineup of creative products that inspire pride and connection.
“These collections were created by dedicated library staff: Katherine Zavala, who provided creative input and designed promotional materials; Kristin Gwin, Jordan Graham and Kami Greene, whose illustrations bring the Once Upon a Fam’ and Bookmobile Buddies collection to life; and Slone Williams, whose vision led to building the website, developing the inventory, and designing the Legacy: Unleashed line. Together, they created a one-of-a-kind product line we’re proud to present and confident will be embraced by the community,” Morris added.
Looking ahead, The Cobb Library Shop has ambitious plans to further elevate library engagement. Upcoming initiatives include fashion shows, limited-edition collections created with community partners, community design competitions, and exclusive merchandise tied to signature library events. “We’re proud to set a new standard for library fundraising that’s creative, sustainable, and deeply connected to our community’s culture and spirit—pioneering an innovative model that blends merchandise, marketing, and community engagement in ways that redefine how libraries engage and fundraise,” Williams added.
For more information or to shop the exclusive collections, please visit cobblibrary.shop. Have a design idea or artwork you’d love to see on our products? Submit your artwork to the Cobb Library Shop. For more questions, contact the Cobb Library Shop at cobblibraryshop@cobbcat.org. Wear the difference you make by supporting our community through every purchase!
