Friends of the Library

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.

President- Caroline Read; president@stonehamfriends.org

Vice President- Lindsay Laughlin; vice-president@stonehamfriends.org

Secretary- Allison Lane; secretary@stonehamfriends.org

Treasurer- Kim Mayers Jacobs; treasurer@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

Becoming a Member:

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 at all. 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 by check. Please make checks payable to Friends of the Stoneham Library.

Volunteering:

In order to keep regular fundraising events going and plan new ones, an engaged and enthusiastic volunteer team is needed. Ways that people can contribute to the success of FOSL include:

  • Attend our monthly Board Meetings and share your thoughts and ideas. Board Meetings are scheduled the 2nd Saturday of each month at noon at the Library.
  • Help to organize any of the Events we have planned
  • Volunteer to run events in-person by
    • helping with setup and breakdown
    • speaking to people about the Friends and encouraging them to volunteer or donate

Other Options:

Consider including FOSL in your estate planning (will or trust). All donations are tax deductible and a tax receipt will be provided.