Become a Friend of the Library

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.

Community Pint Night at Remnant Brewing in March:

On March 28th, 2024, visit Remnant Brewing from 6pm to close to learn more about us and support the work that we do! Get to know the Friends, buy a book or two, and drink! There will be a selection of books and media for sale, and one dollar for every pint sold will go toward supporting the Friends. Visit the event listing to learn more.

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 February 2024

Donate and become an SPL Friend today!