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The Friends of the Williston Public Library was organized in October, 1995 with seven members. (An earlier Friends had disbanded several years before.) At that time the library was located in a room in the Williston City Hall complex.

In 1997, Perkins State Bank gave the City of Williston the building that, with extensive renovations paid for by the City, the State of Florida and the Felburn Foundation, became the library’s new home.
Under librarian Michelle Traylor's guidance, wallpaper, curtains, chairs, cases for artifacts, and pictures were purchased with funds raised by the Friends.

In the organization’s first year, Friends began holding monthly book sales in the City’s community center. These sales have continued and are one of the main sources of money for the organization.
In 1997 the Friends began the locally popular holiday tradition of the Christmas Baskets Auction, held at the library’s Christmas Open House. The auction has become a marvelous money maker as well as a Williston Christmas Event for the whole town to enjoy whether they buy a basket or not.

By May, 1996, the membership had grown from seven to over 50 members and now to a steady 120 members. The funds from membership is the bedrock of the "Friends" budget. Six of the members are "life" members, having made a $500 gift to the organization.

Friends has sponsored programs throughout the years, among them John Sikorsky, Ocala antiques appraiser; Patrick Smith, noted Florida author; environmental speakers and speakers sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council, just to name a few.

All programs sponsored by the Friends of the Williston Public Library are open to the public and free of charge.

Friends sponsors The Williston History Group, which has been formed to gather and preserve the written and oral history of the Williston area.

This group works tirelessly to preserve the past for the benefit of future generations.