Welcome to the Friends of the Somerville Public Library!
Donate and Friend today!
Who we are:
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization whose mission is to support the three branches of the Somerville Public Library.
What we do:
Donations help the Friends support the Somerville Public Library in a variety of ways!
- Library Programming Support: The Friends provide financial support for programs not covered by the Library’s operating budget. With this support, the Library is able to offer a variety of children's, teen, and adult programs ranging from puppet shows to poetry readings.
- Cultural and Museum Passes: Funded by the Friends, the library provides patrons with free passes to 13 popular local museums including: Museum of Science, Harvard Museums, Boston Children’s Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, and New England Aquarium.
- Book Sales: The Friends collect and resell donated books & media at local events and during biannual sales at the Central Branch.
Get Involved:
- Become a Friend: Your donations go directly to fund Library Programs. Donate $50 or more and receive 50% off at any book sale! Donate.
- Sponsor a Program: A donation of $200 or more fully funds a children’s, teen or adult program request from Library Staff. Sponsor.
- Volunteer your time: Work at a book sale, table at an event, or join our Board of Directors - anything you can offer is appreciated! Email us!
- Partner with us: Do you own or run a business in Somerville? We partner with local organizations to raise funds and spread awareness of our mission such as Union Square, Assembly, the Winter Farmers Market, and Bow Market. We also receive donated products and services from local businesses. Reach out to learn more! Email us!
Monthly Public Friends Meetings
The Friends Board meets the first Wednesday every month at the Central Library Branch. These meetings are held to monitor the Friends’ budget, hear reports from the Library Director, take action on Library funding requests, and plan events such as the book sales and Annual Meeting. Members are welcome to but are not required to attend these meetings.
Friends of the Somerville Public Library Book Sale in May:
From May 3rd through 5th, the Friends will be hosting a book sale at the Central Library.
- On Friday 5/3, join us from 5pm-6pm for a Pre-Sale Power Hour. Donate $50 to the Friends and get first dibs on all books in the sale!
- On Saturday 5/4, the book sale will run from 9am-3pm.
- On Sunday 5/5, the book sale will run from 1pm-4pm. From 3pm-4pm, you can buy a Friends tote and fill it with books for only $15!
Book sales are our biggest fundraisers. With the money we raise, we fund diverse programming at all three SPL branches, and with your continued support, we're hoping to fund even more amazing programming! We look forward to seeing you at the sale!
2023-2024 Membership Drive
Join or Renew
Funds are raised to support the Library through memberships, donations, events and book sales. Suggested membership is $25, but any level of support is welcome. Those who join at the $50 annual rate or higher receive a 50% discount on all items at our book sales. All contributions are tax-deductible and membership lasts for one year.
Contribute via snail mail
Checks payable to The Friends of the Somerville Public Library and mail to along with Name, Address, Email Address and Phone Number:
The Friends of the Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143
Thank you for supporting your library!
Friends of the Somerville Public Library Officers:
- President: Emily Miyares
- Clerk: Maxwell Heath
- Treasurer: Maria Bunker
- Membership Outreach: Angela Kelly
- Book Sales: Charles McGonigal
- Members at Large: Timothy Bunker, Christina Heinrich, Katie Kidwell, Roberta Bauer, Erin Ellingwood
For more information, please email: friendssomervillepubliclibrary@gmail.com
Updated April 2024
Donate and become an SPL Friend today!