Friends of the Library
Check out this amazing Other Paper article about the Friends!
About the Friends
Since 1973, the Friends of the South Burlington Public Library have been at work behind the scenes, actively supporting the staff, programs, events, and mission of the Library. A small annual membership donation ($10 or more), when added together with others, makes a big difference in what the Friends can do for the Library.
As a Friend you can attend the Members only Preview night at our book sales where you get first choice of our wonderful book selection. In addition, volunteers are always welcome and needed to help with the Friends’ planning, hospitality, and fund-raising projects, or in our Book Shop. It’s fun to work with others who value the Library as a community and education center.
The Friends of the South Burlington Public Library support the mission, programs, events, and staff of the South Burlington Public Library through fundraising, volunteerism, and advocacy.
The Friends of the South Burlington Public Library is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and membership contributions are fully deductible as allowed by law.
For more information, read the history of the Friends.
Our mailing address is 180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT 05403
Questions? Email fotsbpl@gmail.com
Stay connected to the Friends on Facebook
Friends' Leadership
Officers 7/1/2023-6/30/2024:
President, Sue Raatikainen
Vice President, Merry Jones
Secretary, Barbara Harrison
Treasurer, Frances Williams
Becoming a Member
Online form
Print and email form
Meetings
Meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Library.
January 18
February 15
March 21
April 18
May 16
June 20
Book Shop
The Friends Book Shop (formerly known as A Novel Idea) is located upstairs in the new Library.
Books are available for purchase all hours that the Library is open.
Friends of the SBPL Book Donation Guidelines
1. We can only take newly published fiction. We prefer 5 years or newer, but not older than 10 years.
All books must be clean and in good condition.
We do not need non-fiction at this time.
2. We are seeking children's books in good condition.
- Newborn/Board books
- Toddler, preschool, early elementary
- Middle School
3. We cannot accept
- VHS tapes, DVD or CDs
- Magazines
- Textbooks
- Religious books
- Foreign language books
- Readers Digest books
- Time Life books
- Moldy books or books that have been written in
Bring donations upstairs to the Friends Bookshop, Monday - Saturday between 10:30 and 12:30 or leave them at the Circulation Desk during other hours. Please do not leave bags or boxes of books in the Bookshop when a volunteer is not present.
Donation of your books are the only source of supplying our book shop. We run the book shop to generate funds to help our library. Thank you for donating books and patronizing the Friends Bookshop.
For 2024, the Library is counting on the Friends to help fund the following:
- The Winter Concert Series
- Book Page, a monthly book magazine available to all library patrons
- Support for Children’s programs
- Development and appreciation for library staff, trustees, and volunteers
- Hospitality for library programs throughout the year
- A permanent Storywalk on Garden Street coming this Fall
The Friends are also raising money to help enhance the collections, technology, and spaces.
Volunteering
You can meet other library enthusiasts by volunteering in the Book Shop, at our biannual book sales or by hosting special library events.
Please email us or attend our monthly meeting for more information.