About the Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library
The Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library was founded in 1988 and is a 501c3 charity supporting the Blackstone library through a variety of fundraising activities including an annual book sale, online book sales, and other activities. Currently we have over 300 members and approximately 50 year-round volunteers. All money raised through various fund-raisers minus operating expenses is donated to the library. The library director attends all Friends Board Meetings and prioritizes funding requests. Friends sponsor lectures and programs and provide funds for special programming, particularly for the Youth Services Department, as well as funds for the purchase of equipment for the library, museum passes, movies, concerts, furniture, and plantings for the library grounds. Friends donated over $70,000 to the library in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
Mission
Our mission is to raise funds primarily through the sale of donated books to enable the James Blackstone Memorial Library to provide enrichment programs and other services for the local community.
Vision
We aim to maintain our financial support to the library, to promote literacy in the community and the freedom to read, and to make books available for all.
Check out the latest Marble Columns (Friends Newsletter)
Marble Columns
Fall 2022 | Late Fall 2022 | Winter 2023 | Spring 2023 | Summer 2023
If you have a question for the Friends, please email us at friends@blackstonelibrary.org. Like us on Facebook!
Officers (2023-2024)
- President, Barbara Barrett
- Vice President, Carrie Lakin
- Secretary, Linda Milici
- Treasurer, Jonathan Grande
Directors
Leslie Becker Sandra Brockett
Ann Davis Joe Genua
Jane Kenealy Andy McKirdy
Jill Thomas
Bylaws (Approved May 16, 2023)
How you can support Friends:
Buy an Annual Membership: Memberships start as low as $10 for seniors and students, individuals are $15, etc. A membership helps us to support the library.
As a member you receive quarterly Marble Columns mailing as well as exclusive early access to the Fall Book Sale. Scroll down to join or donate!
Become a Volunteer
In addition to volunteering at our annual book sale, we have many volunteer opportunities all year round. If you are interested in helping us, please email to friends@blackstonelibrary.org.
Supporting Friends
Seniors (60+) and students: $10
Individual: $15
Family: $20
Sustaining: $25
Benefactor: $50
Best Friend: $100
Join now by selecting your desired Membership Level and then pay via PayPal or a credit card on the Pay Now button.
If you would like to make a donation to the Friends, please click on the link below: