Be a Friend

Have you thought about becoming a Friend of the Essex Library? Would you like to know a little more about us? Read on!

Who We Are

The Friends of the Essex Library is a volunteer group from the community that:

Acts as an advocate for the Library in the community;
Assists the Library in everyday tasks, as needed;
Supports the Library Association Board efforts to maintain the quality operation of the Library;
Contributes financial resources to the Library for programs created to appeal to all age groups;
Organizes special fundraising events that generate resources for needs and equipment outside the operating budget;
Holds a much anticipated twice-annual book sale. Click here to find out more.

How We Help

The Friends sponsors the Book-A-Baby program that sends a book, bag, and information to new parents. We also provide Museum Passes for free and discount admission to area cultural attractions. Our popular Family Night Programs run throughout the school year. For the pre-school set, Friday morning Stories and Songs is funded by the Friends. Each year the library hosts a well-known author lecture, sponsored by the Friends. We are part of the Newcomers Welcome Program. The Friends also funds special purchases for the library such as reference materials, computer hardware, and the LCD/digital projector used in the Foreign Films Program. Without Friends support, none of these programs would exist.

Our Fundraising Events

Festival of Parties from October 2007 through March 2008, with over twenty hostesses creating their own party themes and inviting their own guest list. Party ideas range from neighborhood parties to cocktail parties, dinner parties, backyard BBQs, and holiday gatherings. For those new to town or who wish to be included and may not know the hostesses, contact Rebecca Halsey, whalsey@sbcglobal.net, 767-3374 for information.

Moveable Feast in October 2006 was night of festivities, beginning with a gala cocktail party at the new library and then dispersing to private homes for dinner. Both the library party and dinners were great fun, as many people met their hosts for the first time.

Kentucky Derby Party was May 2005 celebrated with four open houses around town for mint juleps, wine, ale, and hors d’oeuvres while watching the derby. Silent auction bidding was throughout the event.

America’s Cup Gala in April 2003 was held in four homes on Foxboro Point in Essex with a sampling of wines and hors d’oeuvres

And don't forget - The Friends of the Essex Library is a 501 (c) (3) so that the organization can accept contributions that may be tax deductible.