Officers

Jean LaPorta
President
Patty Franco
Vice President
Jill Thaisz
Treasurer
Marion Clemente
Secretary

Directors

Nancy Krawczeski
Ginni Mazur
Carolyn Siarkowski

“Our Friends are a vibrant group who step up time and again to whatever project or challenge they are asked to help with. I cannot praise and thank them enough for their service to this Library and this community.”

— Barbara Madonna, Former Library Director

About the Friends

The Friends of the Gloversville Public Library was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1974 to assist the library in its mission of serving this community. The Friends have more than 300 members who donate time, as well as money, to help improve the Gloversville Public Library. If you are able to donate time or money to the Friends, fill out our membership form today.

The Friends recognize that an excellent library is a cornerstone of our community that provides everyone with the opportunity to engage in life-long learning and to connect with the ideas of others from past to present. A quality library helps to attract new people and businesses to an area. Libraries preserve our past and are a tremendous resource for planning our future. So the Friends’ mission is simple—raise funds and use them in any way possible to improve the collection and services of their Library for the benefit of all community members. These funds are used to purchase various items to improve the collection, including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and computer software. They also buy equipment for the Library, such as book trucks and portable air conditioners. They provide funding for remodeling projects, like new carpeting, and horizontal blinds. The Friends’ donations to the Gloversville Public Library have averaged more than $10,000 annually.

By-Laws Change

At the September 6, 2018 Friends' Annual meeting the Friends approved a new meeting schedule, which is now in effect.

Friends' meetings are held on the first Thursday at 5 p.m. in the following six months (unless otherwise announced): January, March, May, August, September (after Labor Day), and November.

Friends’ Meeting Dates for 2023-2024 are:
August 3, 2023
September 7, 2023
November 2, 2023
January 4, 2024
March 7, 2024
May 2, 2024
August 1, 2024

All meetings start at 5 p.m. and are held in the Large Meeting Room.

Fundraising

The Friends have several fund-raisers throughout the year.

Book Sales. The Friends are stocking up for their booksale. This list outlines what the Friends can and cannot accept as donations for the sale.

Celebration. From 2007-2014, the centerpiece of the Friends' fundraising effort had been the annual Celebration. Over the years, the Friends raised over $100,000. These funds have contributed to the renovation project as well as sponsored programs, collection development, and special events like the 2018 art show.

Membership Drive. You can join the Friends at any time by filling out this form. But each year, starting in October during National Friends of the Library Week, the Friends begin an annual membership drive. The Friends mail membership forms to existing and prospective members to solicit funds and volunteers.

Other Events. The Friends are always looking for new and exciting ways to raise money to support the library. Be sure to follow the library blog to gets news about these events as they are planned.