Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library
Who Are We?
We are book lovers, information seekers, readers, listeners, music, art and movie buffs. We are young and old, with varying interests and backgrounds. We all treasure ideas and value all of the public libraries as a vital community resource. We all believe that The New Bedford Free Public Library is an excellent library, ready to serve the whole community. Become a Friend today!

What do the Friends do?
The Friends support library programs, raise funds for special purposes, volunteer to do projects, promote community awareness of libraries, advocate for robust funding of The Library, and support the freedom of individuals to read what they wish. We raise funds, with the help of our tireless volunteers, Some Friends are deeply involved, some lend their moral support.  To become a supporter go to our Become a Friend page .

Detail of J.J. Audubon's Carolina parrot. Gift of James Arnold. Courtesy of the Trustees of New Bedford Free Public Library.

New Teen Room at Lawler Branch
The New Bedford Free Public Library has won a $20,000 grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act to create a teen room at its Lawler Branch in Buttonwood Park.  Administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the “Serving Tweens and Teens” grant will enable the Lawler Library to furnish a room, develop a collection of materials for tween and teen patrons, and to run programs geared toward their patronage.
The Lawler Library will convert their book sale room for use as a teen space. Branch Manager, Denise Plaskon says:  “We are excited about offering teen services and giving teens the opportunity to learn, grow and explore in a safe, stimulating environment.”  The room will be a casual, teen-only area for  work  and study. In addition, they will have the opportunity to socialize and utilize new technologies purchased with grant monies.  A 12-member teen board has been meeting with Ms.  Plaskon since October to advise on furniture and materials selection and future programming.
Library Director Stephen Fulcino extends congratulations to both Judith Downey, Head of  Branch Services and Ms. Plaskon for writing the grant proposal. “I would also like to commend the Rotary Club of Greater New Bedford for donating $1,250 to supplement the grant, “ Fulchino said.
The Lawler Branch Library is located at 745 Rockdale Avenue in New Bedford.  For more information on the upcoming teen room please call Denise Plaskon at 508-991-6217.




A free public library since 1852, the New Bedford Free Public Library Art and Archives rooms acquire, preserve and provide access to records created by, for and about the community of New Bedford and the surrounding area. These materials include records of local government, manuscripts, rare printed books, lithographs, paintings, sketchbooks, catalogs, photographs, historical prints, broadsides, sheet music, architectural drawings, oral histories, material on local artists and maps concerned with the history of the community. The Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library support the preservation of our library's treasures.
ART ROOM & ARCHIVES
Extensive interior architectural design elements are plentiful at the Main Library.  Take a tour!
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HOW YOU CAN HELP.    The Teen Room needs our support right now to provide refreshments to our teens. Your donation of $5 would be greatly appreciated.
AUDUBON LEGACY PARTNERSHIP
The Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library has donated $5000 towards the conservation of 60 original Birds of America by John James Audubon.  The elephant portfolio of engravings was owned by James Arnold, one of New Bedford's best known whaling merchants who donated it to the library.

The Friends of the Library are partnering with the New Bedford Art Museum to bring this special and important program to our city from June 4 - Sept. 11.

As one of approximately 80 institutions worldwide to possess the full collection of 434 original hand-colored engravings, the New Bedford Free Public Library has an obligation to ensure the long-term preservation of this rare and important resource while also making it accessible to the South Coast community.








YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY DONATING NOW TO THE CONSERVATION OF THIS IMPORTANT CITY RESOURCE
We are a 501(c)(3) organization.  You donations are tax deductible to the extent of the current IRS rules.
GRAND OPENING SATURDAY MARCH 27, 2-4 p.m.