Who are the Friends?
The Friends of the Greenfield Public Library are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the library by focusing public attention on the library's services, facilities, and needs, and by stimulating gifts to the library of books, endowments and bequests. There are currently over 800 members. Each dues-paying member is allotted a vote at the Friends' annual meeting held in September. A Friends Board, elected by the membership, meets monthly and oversees ongoing projects.

You can become a member of the Friends by sending a donation in any amount to:

Friends of the Greenfield Public Library
402 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301

What do the Friends do?
The Friends provide funds for virtually all library programming, including films, book discussions, story hours, writing workshops, and summer reading programs, all of which are free.

Friends provide membership passes to area museums, allowing families to visit them free of charge.

Friends purchase special items for the library, including a new children's circulation desk, new reading chairs in both the adult and children's rooms, as well as a renovation of the library's meeting room. The Friends also support the Homebound Delivery Program and pay for special book purchases to enrich the library's collection.

Friends are responsible for the beautiful gardens and landscaping of the library grounds.

The Friends' newsletter, Notes from the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, reports on recent activities, and is published four times a year.

Funding for the Friends comes from the annual membership campaign and semi-annual book sales, the Groundhog Day flower bouquets, various raffles, and a major annual fundraising event. A permanent bookcase located near the library entrance doors provides on-going sales of books and other Friends items such as notepaper, mugs and tote bags.

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Friends of the Greenfield Public Library --Historical Background
September 2006

A glance at news clippings stored in the stacks of the Library reveals that the Friends formally organized in early 1973.  Peter S. Miller was elected as interim chairman and it was decided to work on bylaws and to charge annual dues of $1.00 per year.

In March of 1974, the group voted to purchase a film strip projector for the children’s room and a new clock for the main room of the library. Plans were made for a used book sale at a booth at the county fair. Also, there was concern about the fact that the library’s paint project had no paint, and the group began looking for ways to assist.

At the November 1975, annual meeting, Harold LeVanway succeeded Peter Miller as chairman. Expenditures mentioned included $300 for film strips for the children’s room, $50 to sponsor a visit of the zoomobile, and $500 to match town funds given to the Bicentennial Commission to support creation of an oral history. The major fundraiser mentioned was the book sale at the county fair.

As the Friends organization has grown over the past 31 years, its fundraising efforts have expanded to include two book sales per year, an annual fund drive, various auctions, raffles, and other fundraisers. Please refer to the 2005-2006 Friends Annual Report for more fundraising information.

Hard work and successful fund raising have made possible increased support for the library, especially important recently when the town budget is lean. This past year, the Friends gave over $24,000 to the Library.

Clearly, for over 30 years the GPL has benefited from the lively interest and loyal support of many Friends like you. The board of directors of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library welcomes you and thanks you for your support!

Marie Beeching
Recording Secretary

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