The Friends of the Florida Public Library is an organization of volunteers who work together to promote and expand the library’s programs, resources and services for all people in the community. The Friends serve as a link between the library and the community. Membership in the Friends group is a great way to support the Florida Public Library. There are five yearly membership levels to fit most budgets and needs:
- $5 Student (for children up to Grade 12)
- $10 Single or Family
- $25 Sustaining (join at this level and receive 5 free books at one of our book sales)
- $50 Contributing (join at this level and receive 10 free books at one of our book sales)
- $100 Patron (join at this level and receive 10 free books & a free bag at one of our book sales)
Join the Friends and help your library. New members and new ideas are always welcome. Membership is October 1 through September 30. Click on
the link below to download a printable membership form. Mail it (Friends of the Florida Public Library, 4 Cohen Circle, Florida, NY 10921) or drop it off at the library anytime!
Click here for the Friends Membership Form.
Friends of the FPL Officers 2024-2025:
President – Bob Scott
Vice President – Karen Thomas
Treasurer – Glen Arnold
Secretary – Ann Kowalczyk
Friends of the FPL Meeting Dates: (Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays of the month unless otherwise noted)
July 8, 2024
August 12, 2024
September 10, 2024 (Tuesday)
October 15, 2024 (Tuesday)
November 12, 2024 (Tuesday)
December 19, 2024
January 13, 2025
February 10, 2025
March 10, 2025
April 14, 2025
May 12, 2025
June 9, 2025
Used Book Sales are held throughout the year by the Friends of FPL. Click here for more information.
Gifts and Donations
The Library welcomes donations, gifts and bequests to support and expand library operations, programs and collection development. Checks should be made payable to the order of “Florida Public Library.” Donations specified for the purchase of library materials or furnishings “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of” an individual will be distinguished with special bookplates or labels. Contributors who would like donations earmarked for specific purposes are encouraged to speak to the Director to discuss the Library’s current funding needs. Please refer to our Gifts Policy.
The Friends enjoyed a day at the Florida Fun Fest.
Meet a Friend of the Florida Public Library ~ Celeste McAteer
I have been a member of the Friends of the FPL since 1995.
I am proud that my oldest son James made picnic tables, benches, planters, garbage bins and cleaned up the back area for the library with the help of our family and the Boy Scouts. This project helped him earn the rank of Eagle Scout. I have enjoyed helping move books for the book sale too.
As a Friend, I presented a program on health and wellness for adults.
My favorite thing about the Florida Public Library is the great staff that works there. They are always helpful and able to get me the books I request, even from other libraries. One book came from as far away as Texas! I loved the summer reading programs my kids were involved in when they were younger.
Some of my favorite items that I borrow from FPL are books on natural healing, finances, raising children and wellness.
What others should know about FPL: It is a great resource loaded with educational and self-help information as well as a variety of interesting programs for anyone at any age.
When I’m not at the library, I like to read, spend time with my family, work on home improvement projects, hike, garden and go to any beach, anywhere.
Thank you, Celeste, for being a Friend of the Florida Public Library!
Meet a Friend of the Florida Public Library ~ Christine
I have been a member of the Friends of the FPL since 2005.
I am proud that I helped the Friends buy the awning for the back deck.
As a Friend, I attend meetings when I can and I help at book sales
when I can.
My favorite thing about the Florida Public Library is all the great adult
programs, family events and children’s programs. I love how connected
FPL is to our school and how they work together to encourage children
to read.
I give my time because I love to read! I have loved the library ever since
I was young. Where else can you go and have access to books
about anything? It is great to help and give back.
Some of my favorite items that I borrow from FPL are children’s books, non-fiction selections and the vacation backpacks.
What others should know about FPL: It’s not just about books! There is always a full schedule of events featuring authors, crafts, movies,
poetry, music, etc.
When I’m not at the library, I like to read! I also like to cook, spend time with my family, and plan parties and fun stuff for my girls.
Thank you, Chris, for being a Friend of the Florida Public Library!
Meet a Friend of the Florida Public Library ~ Bob Persing
Library Friend & Volunteer Bob Persing caught in the act of installing a new public computer at FPL.
I have been a member of the Friends of the FPL since 2009.
I am proud that I helped the Friends advocate, buy and install technology upgrades to better serve the community’s needs in this “Hi-Tech” era.
As a Friend, I attend meetings to help review and plan how to better serve the library and the community.
I help at book sales, usually transferring the books from the library basement to the Senior Center and back to the basement. I volunteer by sharing a skill. Since my background is in computers and computer networking, I offer my expertise to the library to maintain and improve the computing services as well as assist with some of the library’s computer instructional classes.
My favorite thing about the Florida Public Library is the friendly, helpful staff and their dedication to serving our community in a unique manner, only available through a library such as ours.
I give my time because I can and I receive such a great reward by doing so.
What others should know about FPL: The Florida Public Library has some very interesting “special event” programs for all ages…this is a big PLUS.
When I’m not at the library, I enjoy crafting things from wood, be it furniture or bowls turned on a lathe, and help friends and family with home improvement projects. I also like to kayak, attend orchestral performances, the ballet, and will occasionally take in an opera at the Bardavon.
Thank you, Bob, for being a Friend of the Florida Public Library!