Who We Are -

The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library has over 1200 members. Through their volunteer activities, Friends promote awareness of the library, and promote support for many services and special programs. Friends are library patrons, library lovers, and library supporters. Our numbers grew dramatically when special programs and activities were added to our on-going programs. Some of the programs that have helped to "grow" the Friends of the Library are:

Author Series and Newburyport Reads: Authors whose works share common themes or reflect local interest have presented talks at the Firehouse Theater, in the library's Program Room, and at the Emma Andrews Branch.

Annual Meeting: This spring event provides an opportunity for the Head Librarian, Friends officers, and guest speakers to communicate to the assembled Friends.

Automobile Insurance Benefit: Joining the Friends is a wise financial move. An automobile insurance company in Newburyport offers a special discount on policy prices to people who are members of the Friends.

The Great Old Book Sale - is Back Again: Twice yearly, spring and fall, in the Program Room, the Friends hold fund-raising book sales, affording a great opportunity to clear out attics and basements as most of the items offered for sale are patron-donated. Books, periodicals, audio materials, and videos are available.

The April 2008 Great Old Book Sale hours are: The Member's Preview Sale will begin at 6:30PM (until 8:30PM) on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and will be for Friends of the Library members only. (Memberships will be available for purchase at the door). The Book Sale will run from Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 9AM (until 8:30PM), through Friday, April 4, 2008 (9AM until 7:30PM) and continue Saturday, April 5, 2008 (9AM until 3PM). Prices will range from hardcovers, records, CDs and videos at $2 on April 3, each day gradually dropping in price to $2/bag (free the final hour of the sale) on April 5.

Chamber of Commerce: The Friends of the Library belongs to the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. Membership in this large, active organization is a benefit to all who join.

Endowment Fund: To maintain our state-of-the-art library facility, the Friends has established The Endowment Fund, a long-term investment to safeguard the building's ongoing maintenance and upkeep. While the City's general budget allows for the operation of the building and staff, monies in this fund will be used to supplement technological advancements and capital improvements.

Holiday Party: This December party honors volunteers for the work they have contributed to the library during the past year. Some of the tasks handled by volunteers include book repair, staffing The Archival Center, and shelf reading.

Newsletter: A Friends' newsletter, periodically published throughout the year, includes a note from the President, poetry from members, news of upcoming events, a brainteaser, and reports of Friends-sponsored events.

Museum Passes: The Friends purchases several museum passes each year for use by library patrons. The passes allow free or reduced-cost entry to certain Boston and Portsmouth museums. Since these passes are in high demand, reservations are suggested.

Children's Events: The Friends are involved in activities in the Children's Room through sponsoring entertainment, refreshments, and rewards to encourage our youngest patrons' participation in reading programs.

Interested in Membership?

One-year membership costs $15.00 for family, $7.00 for individual, and $5.00 for seniors and students. Reach the Friends at 978 465-4428, ext. 234, or write Friends of the Library, Newburyport Public Library, 94 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.  Click HERE for a copy of the membership form.