Be a Friend of Your Library

Have you ever returned your books to the outside book drop at Weaver Library or sat on the bench outside the main entrance? These were paid for by Friends of the East Providence Public Library.

Ever borrow a museum pass to visit Mystic Seaport or Sturbridge Village at a reduced rate? Those passes and many others are paid for annually by the Friends.

Over the years, the Friends of the Library have sponsored many projects that benefit the community. They include special classes, such as babysitting courses, Dungeon Master training for teens for Dungeons & Dragons, special programs for all ages, and a storage shed for equipment at Weaver Library and Fuller Creative Learning Center. Five sewing machines at Fuller Creative Learning Center and the glass display case and program room chairs at Riverside Library are among equipment funded by Friends of the Library. Projects for children include five sets of children’s tables and chairs at Fuller, prizes for the pumpkin decorating contest and costume contest at the annual Pumpkin Stroll, and prizes for the children’s and teen summer reading programs. Last year, the Friends contributed $20,000 to the renovations at Weaver main library and children’s room.

In addition, Friends of the Library provide thousands of books each year to local organizations to promote free access to reading materials for everyone. This includes the donation of children’s books to East Providence Parks and Recreation, UCAP, and for distribution at community events. They donate novels to the East Providence Senior Center, RI Veterans’ Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital, as well as Amos House, Black Lives Matter RI and Providence Books Through Bars. The Friends extend the limits of the library by providing books to local families who host Little Libraries in their neighborhood.

Why do they do it? Because that’s what Friends are for.

You can be part of this community-focused group. The Friends have set a goal of 250 members this year, in honor of our nation’s 250^th anniversary. Help reach that goal by joining now. As an added bonus, your membership card provides entry to the preview night at the Fall and Spring Book Sales. The Fall Preview Sale is on Thursday, October 22, from 6-8 p.m., the day before the sale opens to the public, October 23 to 25. Sign up now to avoid waiting in line on preview night.

Light blue membership forms can be obtained at the circulation desk at Weaver Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence or at Riverside Library, 475 Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. Bring the completed form, with $10 per person, to either of those locations or mail your check to Friends of East Providence Public Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914. Your membership dues help to provide these special projects, programs and events at the library. Your support is greatly appreciated.