Become a Friend of the Library

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:  

  • Make a Donation: 95% of funds go directly to Library Programs and Cultural Passes.
  • 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!
  • Donate Materials: At this time, the Friends of the Somerville Public Library are accepting donations of gently-used books, DVDs, and music CDs. We are only able to accept donations at the Central Library location. The donation box is located in the lobby, across from the entrance to the Teen Room.

Monthly Board 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.

Donate Using Paypal

 

 

Consider making a recurring donation to support the Friends of the Somerville Public Library and help us continue funding vital programs and resources. Recurring donations provide steady, predictable funding, allowing the Friends of the Somerville Public Library to plan and support programs with confidence.

If you're able, we'd also appreciate a small increase in your donation to help cover PayPal fees, ensuring that 100% of your gift goes toward our mission. Thank you for your generosity!

Donate through DAF Direct

 

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: Katie Kidwell
  • Treasurer: Maria Bunker
  • Membership Outreach: Angela Kelly
  • Book Sales: Thea Bissell
  • Directors: Angela Kelly, Maxwell Heath, Erin Ellingwood, Timothy Bunker, Thea Bissell, Danielle Fox, Christina Heinrich
     

For more information, please email:  friendssomervillepubliclibrary@gmail.com

Updated February 2025

Donate and become an SPL Friend today!