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MORE ABOUT FRIENDS

How Friends Got Started

The Friends of the Hoboken Public Library was formed in 1986 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to raise money to support the Library's programming, services, and improvements that were beyond the scope of the Library's budget. Early on, the Library didn't have a sufficient operating budget to stay open on weekends, and it was Friends of the Hoboken Public Library that petitioned City Hall to provide those much-needed funds.

 

Today, the Library relies on Friends to raise money for additional programs and services outside of their budget.

 

Unlike the Hoboken Public Library Foundation, that raises money for capital improvements primarily through annual appeal letters, we are a grassroots membership-based organization that primarily raises money through our membership dues, donations, and events to fund programs and services.

 

However, Friends and the Foundation have also worked together to fund specific projects, such as building and maintaining the Library's garden area, and occasionally holding joint fundraising events, such as when we celebrated the Library's 125th anniversary.

 

Friends is seeking new board members who want to make a difference in the community by helping more people connect to the programs and services that the Library has to offer. 

 

If you're interested in getting involved with Friends or volunteering, please email us at info@hobokenfol.org

Gardener
Old Study
Friends Board Members

Melanie Best

Marilyn Freiser

Jacqueline Stasium  

Silvia Deak

Audrey Merwin

—Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense

There are no faster or firmer friendships than
those formed between people who love the same books.

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