Friends of the Library

Search

Search form

Who are the Friends?

The Friends of the Harvard Public Library is a community-based, volunteer organization whose purpose is to stimulate the interests of the community in the services and needs of the Harvard Public Library. We provide program assistance through volunteer help and funds and sponsorship of programs that will enable the Harvard Public Library to keep pace with the growth of the Town of Harvard.

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Donations: Please send your membership donations to:

FOHPL
PO Box 506
Harvard, MA 01451


They can be dropped off at the Library anytime it is open.
Or, you can donate below using PayPal or a credit card.

Please note: a donation to the Friends makes you a member.  A benefit of being a member is entrance to our Preview Book Sale. There are no commercial or for-profit memberships. 

Membership

  • Patron ~ $100 or more
  • Sponsor ~ $60
  • Family ~ $35
  • Individual  ~ $15
  • Senior ~ $10

A sub-committee of the Friends of the Harvard Public Library is the Harvard Friends of the Arts (HFOA). All HFOA performances are free and open to the public and held at Volunteers Hall. These programs are supported with memberships to the FOHPL, proceeds from our annual book sale, your donations and by the Harvard Public Library Trust.  See HFOA for more information and a list of upcoming events.

Board

Chris Frechette President
Chris Burns Treasurer
Libby Levison Communications
Stephanie Opalka Members-at-Large
Isabelle Andrei Members-at-Large
Joanna Rutter-Bent Members-at-Large
Frances Moyle Members-at-Large

What we do:

  • Provide passes to over 20 museums in the greater Boston & Worcester areas. Passes are free or discounted for Harvard citizens.
  • Help fund children’s and young adult programs, including the summer reading program, book groups, early release programs, movie nights, story time, maker days, music & theater productions. There have been over 7,200 participants in 350 programs some years! Most recently we provided funds for a collection of board games that can be borrowed from the Children’s Room.
  • Sponsor the annual Dr. Jeffrey Harris Memorial Scholarship.
  • Sponsor & organize Harvard Friends of the Arts performances at Volunteers Hall. In 2019, over 550 people attended 7 performances that were free & open to the public.
  • Deliver “Books at Home” for homebound residents.
  • Publish “Among Friends” Newsletter.
  • Raised funds to help build the new library at Old Bromfield.
  • Conduct the Annual Book Sale – a great book recycling program, social event and our main fundraising activity. 

Please consider a tax deductible membership! 

Why join the Friends?

Your Friends membership not only provides financial and community support to the Library, but also provides you with these key benefits:

  • Book Sale Preview Night Admission
    Get first pick of the high quality books available at our annual Book Sale.
  • Reminders of Library and FOHPL events
    Members of the FOHPL will get email reminders of upcoming events—never miss a lecture or program again!

We Invite You to Join the Friends!

Contact Chris Frechette with any questions at tofer.frechette@gmail.com.

Address:
FOHPL
PO Box 506
Harvard, MA  01451

Friends Annual May Book Sale

This is the main fundraising event for the Friends. All proceeds go to support Harvard Public Library to fund Children’s Programs, Friends of the Arts performances, and Free Museum Passes among many other services.

Book Collection Dates:

  • Saturday, April 27th: 9:00 AM – NOON  
  • Sunday, April 28th: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Thursday, May 2nd: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 4th: 9:00 AM – NOON

Book Sale Dates:

  • Friday, May 10th: 3:00 PM  7:00 PM Members of the Friends of HPL but can join at the door  
  • Saturday, May 11th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 12th: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Please note: Friday's sale is meant as a small thank you to our supporters in our community.  Therefore, stockpiling books is not permitted at Friday's preview sale. We reserve the right to limit the number of books sold to any individual or group.

We do not limit numbers on Saturday or Sunday.
 
This is the main fundraising event for the Friends. All proceeds go to support Harvard Public Library to fund Children’s Programs, Friends of the Arts performances, and Free Museum Passes among many other services.
 
The FRIENDS need your help!

For more information or to volunteer, email HPLBooksale@gmail.com