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About the Friends

Supporting and enhancing our public library

The Friends of Melrose Public Library is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through fundraising and community support, we help provide furnishings, programs, events, and other resources that enrich the library experience for everyone in Melrose.

Meet the Friends

Join the board

The Friends are run entirely by volunteers. This is our executive committee.

  • Co-ChairsKatie WelchSarah Wilkie
  • Vice-ChairElizabeth Freymiller
  • SecretaryKelly DellaGrotte
  • TreasurerTheresa Pluskey

Loading this year’s figures…

The library through the years

from the library’s archive
  1. A crowd gathered on scaffolding as the cornerstone of the library is laid1903Laying the cornerstone of the new library.
  2. A tinted postcard of the new library building seen from the corner1908A postcard of the new building.
  3. A color postcard of the library behind a hedge and a wide green lawn1931A color postcard, mailed that January.
  4. The ivy-covered library front in summer, with a trimmed lawn and leafy trees along West Emerson Street1932Summer on West Emerson Street.
  5. A sepia photograph of the library front and its original entranceca. 1940The original front entrance, before the 1963 addition.
  6. The library seen through bare trees from the corner of Lake Avenue1961From the corner of Lake Avenue. Photo: John Curtis.
  7. The library front on a sunny spring day, before the renovation2020April 2020, before the renovation. Photo: Shelley O’Brien.
  8. The renovated library with its black and gold sign and modern glass additionTodayAfter the renovation and expansion.

Historic photos courtesy of the Melrose Public Library, from its collection on NOBLE Digital Heritage. Click a photo to see its archive record.

Join the next meeting

We meet quarterly on Zoom. Everyone is welcome, member or not.

Join on Zoom

Our finances

We’re a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts are tax-deductible. A summary of what we raise and spend is available on request.

Ways to give