Mission of The Friends

The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library is an organization comprised of an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting and promoting the Riverhead Free Library. The Friends extends the mission of the library to provide our diverse community with educational, cultural, recreational, and intellectual resources. Both through sponsored programs and by raising funds to supplement library programs and services, the Friends helps the Riverhead Free Library better serve the interests and needs of its patrons and the community.

The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library raises money through the sale of used books, magazines, CDs and videos at the historic Yellow Barn (the original Perkins Carriage House) and through membership drives and fundraisers, such as the annual dinner dance. Among the programs sponsored by the Friends are Piano Plus classical music concerts offered to the community free of charge. Each year the Friends holds a photography exhibition and competition that attracts entries from a wide range of talented photographers. This PEACE (photography exhibition and competition) is open to the public. A small fee for each entry supports this event.

The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library have established both a photography club and a travel club. Members meet monthly in the library for presentations and projects. The Friends maintain a variety of exhibits in the Library showcase as well as curate a series of monthly exhibits of local artists at the Overton Gallery in the lower level of the Library. The Friends award two scholarships each year to outstanding high school seniors who plan to pursue the arts. This competitive award recognizes promising students in music and visual art.

In addition, programs offered through the library to children, teens, adult patrons, and seniors are sponsored and paid for by the Friends. These include lectures, exercise programs, social events, and various cultural venues. The Friends also supports local primary schools and veterans through its Outreach program.

Through its programs, fundraisers, and membership drive, the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library enhance and supplement the varied cultural, literary, aesthetic, and humanitarian services offered by the Riverhead Free Library. Esstablished in 1958, the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library is a 501( c) (3) registered nonprofit organization and a NY State registered charity. This means that donations to the Friends are tax deductible.

The Friends usually meet on the second Monday of the month in the Library Craft Room at 1:00 p.m., although meeting dates may be changed if the Library is closed for a holiday.

Become a Friend for your donation of only $10 annually!