About Friends of Scarborough Library

Friends with author Peter BrownThe Friends of the Scarborough Library is completely volunteer-run. It's a labor of love! We are a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Scarborough Public Library through volunteering, advocacy, and fundraising.

Officially organized in 1970, our mission has not changed in 55+ years. It remains as important now as then. 

Mission:

Through membership fees, donations, bequests, and fundraising efforts, the Friends provide funds to the library. These funds support:

  • Purchasing books and materials
  • Licensing fees for free movie screenings
  • Funding the summer reading program
  • Monthly BookPage magazine
  • Museum and activity passes (Portland Museum of Art, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine Wildlife Park, State Park pass)
  • The Emerson Lecture series, funded by a bequest from Fred Emerson
  • Annual monetary gift to the library 

In recent years, annual funds from the Friends contributed to the charging station, new meeting room chairs and tables, the water filling station, and more. During the pandemic, we provided funds for personal protective equipment (PPE) for the staff.

 

Membership:

In addition to supporting the initiatives above with their annual membership dues, members of the Friends receive opportunities to volunteer and gather, and discounted prices at our book sales.

That's right… starting in 2026, for our members, all books are ONE DOLLAR!

Click here to learn about membership and donations.

 

2026-2027 Board Of Directors:

The business of the Friends is conducted by a Board of Directors who work in partnership with the library staff and Board of Trustees. We are a hard working board who get our hands dirty to raise funds and support the library's impact.

  • Kate Kearns, President
  • Carol Sulides-Yerxa, Vice President
  • Abigail Am, Secretary
  • Elizabeth Hersey, Treasurer
  • Ainsley Browne, Membership Chair
  • George Mageles
  • Kimberly Sawyer

To join our board, contact hello@scarblibraryfriends.org!


PAST MEMBERS:

Many thanks to past Presidents of the Friends for their leadership. Appreciation is also extended to the many Board members and volunteers whose dedication and commitment to the Friends has benefited the library and our community.