Friends of the Library

Welcome!

We are a non-profit volunteer organization whose purpose is to support the library so that it can thrive in this new technological environment and provide high quality, lifelong learning. Annually, proceeds from memberships, donations and fundraising events support the library by helping improve and expand library services, facilities, equipment, and provide programming for all ages. Additionally, the Friends have provided funding for numerous special projects such as One Book/One Community.

The Friends of the Gladys E. Kelly Library would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the following restaurants, bloom creators, and other supporters for making BITES, BOOKS, AND BLOOMS held on April 27th an ENORMOUS SUCCESS!

Please thank the following businesses and individuals when you next see them.

RESTURANTS:

Big Belly Cafe, Bistro Eighty Ates, Lake Pizza, Monte Bianco, Point Breeze, Rose Room, Samuel Slaters, Thai Lemongrass, The Lodge

BLOOM CREATORS:

The Flower Garden, Forget Me Not Florist, Friends of the Gladys E. Kelly Library, Perfect Harmony Relationship Solutions, Samuel Slater Experience, Nichols College, Booklovers Gourmet, Prestige Salon & Day Spa, Church of the Reconciliaiton/Zion LutheranChurch, NE Botanical Garden at Tower Hill, Southbridge Garden Club, Quiet Corner Garden Club, Town of Webster Planning and Recreation, Gladys E. Kelly Library (Patron’s Selection), Gladys E Kelly Library (Children’s Selection)

Also THANK YOU:

ST. LOUIS CHURCH

PEPSI of HUDSON, MA

So many ways to be involved...

Do you love the library? Do you want to volunteer? We invite everyone to be involved - adults, teens, families - all are welcome because there are so many ways to participate. Meet new people who welcome your energy and creativity.

Some ways to be involved include:

Become a Friends' member
Volunteer during our fundraising events
Come and have fun at our fundraising events
Assist with our ongoing book sale and the annual book sale in June
Support children, tweens and adult library programs and services
Serve on the Friends Board
Promote community awareness and advocate for the library

Have ideas? Let us know!

Becoming a Member

New and former members are always welcome to join. Becoming a Friend is an easy way for you to thank our library and community. Know that your contribution will touch the lives of people in the community. To become a Friend of the Gladys E. Kelly Library please click the link below, pick up a membership card at the library front desk, or email email hidden; JavaScript is required to volunteer.

Join Now

Our Next Event...

Our next event will be the Friends of the Library book sale from June 8th-10th. Stop by the Community Room to take a look!

Volunteers for the committee and the event WILL be needed. If you are interested in volunteering, email email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Executive Board

The Friends are governed by an executive board whose officers are elected for two year terms at the annual meeting in September. Current members are:

Paul LaFramboise, President
Allison Caraceni, Vice President
Cindy Nagle, Secretary
Patricia Nectow, Treasurer
Susan Buehler
Elaine Davies
Steven Place

We would like to acknowledge the time and dedication of two recently retired Board members, Father William Konicki and Charles Baron. They have served the library and Friends for many years to the benefit of our community, we would not be where we are without them. We wish them well in their new endeavors.

Book Sales

The Friends sponsor an ongoing book sale in the lobby of the library. Each month a different author(s) is featured in the books available. Our yearly book sale will be from June 7th through the 10th. We are in need of book donations! We accept all types of books except text books, encyclopedias, or other reference materials. We will also need volunteers for the three days. If you are interested in volunteering, please email email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Do You Collect Old Books?

Come shop our rare book collection upstairs. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Gladys E. Kelly Public Library.

Some highlights include a First Edition copy of Wildfire at Midnight by Mary Stewart for $200, and a First Edition copy of The Merchant of Yonkers by Thornton Wilder for $250.

Past Events

On November 4th and 5th, we had a very successful Mini-Golf in the Stacks. All who attended had a wonderful time. It was amazing to hear the laughter throughout the library as players enjoyed 10 holes of golf. We had almost 40 volunteers over two days – a record! Thank you, thank you, thank you volunteers – it was our pleasure getting to know you. It was such a financial success that we plan on having it again next year – see you then! Check out our amazing sponsors and thank them next time you use their business.

Have Ideas? Want to ask a question?

You can contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.