Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library

About Us

The Friends of the James Blackstone Memorial Library founded in 1988, is a 501(c ) (3) charity supporting the Blackstone library through a variety of fundraising activities including an annual book sale, online book sales and other activities. Currently we have several hundred members and approximately 60 year-round volunteers. All money raised through various fund-raisers minus operating expenses is donated to the library. Friends sponsor programs, musical concerts and lectures for adults as well as providing funds for special youth services programming, in addition to funds for the purchase of equipment for the library, museum passes, movies, furniture, and plantings for the library grounds. Friends donated over $70,000 to the library in fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

The Friends organization works year around to support the Blackstone Library along with promoting literacy in our community. We work out of two facilities - a 2.600 square foot warehouse in Branford and from a small space in the Volunteer Services Center Building in Branford. Our volunteers process donated books and media materials seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our goal is to help to enhance and enrich the quality of life in Branford.