Friends of the Somerville Public Library

Overview

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting the Somerville Public Library and its branches. The group's mission is to enhance the library's services and programs by providing financial backing for initiatives not covered by the library's regular operating budget.

Activities and Programs

The Friends organization supports a wide range of activities and programs, including:

• Library Programming Support: The group provides financial support for children's, teen, and adult programs, such as puppet shows, poetry readings, and other literary and cultural events.
• Cultural and Museum Passes: The Friends fund the library's Museum Passes program, which offers patrons free passes to various local museums. Participating museums include the Museum of Science, Harvard Museums, Boston Children’s Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, and New England Aquarium.
• Book Sales: The organization collects and resells donated books and media through biannual sales at the Central Branch and other local events, using the proceeds to support library programs.
• Additional Initiatives: The Friends also co-sponsor events like Somerville Reads and cover license fees for movie screenings.

Governance and Membership

The organization is entirely staffed by volunteers and includes a Board of Directors that oversees its operations. The Friends welcome new members and volunteers to help with events, book sales, and other initiatives.

Financial Support

The group relies on donations and proceeds from book sales to fund its activities. A significant portion of the donations directly supports library programs and cultural initiatives. Recurring donations are encouraged to provide stable funding for ongoing projects.

Importance

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library play a crucial role in enriching the community by supporting educational and cultural programs not otherwise funded by the library's budget. Their efforts enhance the library's ability to serve diverse audiences across Somerville.

[1] https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/how-do-i/become-friend-library [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/f1e889665a914f3880ea9e9f1248f43e-the-friends-of-the-somerville-public-library-somerville [3] https://sclsnj.org/about/friends-of-the-library/ [4] https://www.somervillema.gov/events/friends-somerville-public-library-book-sale [5] https://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/categories/friends-library