The Friends of the Stoneham Library (FOSL) is back! After dissolving in the early days of the pandemic, the group is back with a new Board and is looking for new members! If you are curious to learn more about the group, please visit the FOSL website at stonehamfriends.org.
Who We Are
The Friends of the Stoneham Library is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the Library by funding materials, services, and programs not covered by the regular Library budget. If you would like to get involved, donate or just learn more about the organization, please visit www.stonehamfriends.org.
What We Do
FOSL provide funding to the Stoneham Library for educational and cultural programs for adults and children, additions to the print, electronic, and audiovisual collections of the library, and many other needs of the Library, that the municipal budget does not cover. The Friends also provide one-time funding for special projects or equipment. Below are some examples of what FOSL has funded:
- Meet the Author programs
- Museum Passes
- Summer Reading prizes
Major fundraising activities in the past have been the annual membership drive, the annual book and bake sale, the on-going book sale (the book carts in the Library), and another special fundraiser once a year. In 2018 we sponsored a successful fundraiser with the Stoneham Garden Club and the Historical Society called Books in Bloom. The fundraiser raised more than $3,000 to support programs in both the Adult and the Junior Room. In Sept 2019 we had another successful fundraiser with Hank Phillippi Ryan called Mysteries in Bloom.
Getting Involved
Join the Friends!
In the past, the Friends asked for a modest membership due that was typically paid annually. This membership was in addition to the ask of volunteers to share their time and energy organizing and running these events. This year, the new incoming Board of Directors has opted to change this structure so there are no formal membership dues. FOSL now considers anyone that is willing to give their time through volunteering, their funds through donations of any amount or serve on the Board itself, as part of the Friends. We encourage anyone in the community that wants to contribute in any way to the Friends of the Stoneham Library, to come and do so however they can. Donations can be made through the FOSL website or you can donate with a check or cash at the library. There is a donation box downstairs with the EveryDay Bookstore. Please make checks payable to “The Friends of the Stoneham Library”.
Volunteering
Follow the Friends on Facebook or visit the website to learn more: www.stonehamfriends.org
Other Options
Consider including FOSL in your estate planning (will or trust). All donations are tax deductible and a tax receipt will be provided.
