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.
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
TEEN ROOM
The Teen Room is now open at the Lawler branch at Buttonwood Park.
HOW YOU CAN HELP. The Teen Room needs our support to provide refreshments to our teens. Your donation of $5 would be greatly appreciated.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization. You donations are tax deductible to the extent of the current IRS rules.
AUDUBON PRESERVATION 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.
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
click here
EVENTKEEPER
Library Calendar of Events click here
