Helping the Library Thrive: A Look at the Friends of the Blackstone Public Library

The Blackstone Public Library is a place where families gather for storytime, students find resources for school projects, and residents enjoy everything from craft workshops to guest speakers. What many people don’t realize is that a huge portion of those programs rely on outside support—not just from town funding, but from grants and from a small nonprofit group called the Friends of the Blackstone Public Library.

This group of dedicated community members raises funds to support programming, museum passes, supplies, and events. And now, as their workload grows and membership shrinks, the Friends are looking for more volunteers to help keep these efforts going.

Who Are the Friends?

The Friends of the Blackstone Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with library staff to support public programming and enrichment activities. Their mission is to enhance library services for people of all ages by providing funding and volunteer help the library wouldn’t otherwise have.

“I had recently retired from teaching, and that October I attended a Friday night fundraiser sponsored by the Friends,” said Denise Daignault, the group’s current president. “I had enjoyed the event, and after hearing the Friends’ President speak about how they help support library programming, I decided to join.”

Since then, she’s helped lead the group through book sales, raffles, restaurant nights, and more—bringing opportunities to the community that might otherwise be out of reach.

The Friends are neighbors, parents, retirees, professionals — people just like you — who pitch in to support the library in ways big and small.

What Do They Do?

While the library does apply for grants and receives some town support, those sources alone can’t fund the wide variety of events and resources that local residents have come to enjoy. That’s where the Friends come in. Some of the things they’ve supported include:

• Craft kits and children’s programming
• Author talks, workshops, and guest speakers
• Museum and attraction passes for free family outings
• Prizes and supplies for summer reading programs
• Clubs that meet at the Library like the Book Clubs, Quilting Club, Photography Club, and even a Cooking Club

What many people don’t realize is that the library’s official programming budget is only $500 per year—barely enough to pay for a single guest performer. That’s why the Friends’ fundraising efforts are so critical to keeping programming active and accessible for all.

“The Friends usually pay for the Summer Reading Programs,” Denise explained. “We also purchase four to five museum passes for patrons to use throughout the year.”

And yet, all of this depends on a small and aging group of volunteers doing the heavy lifting—sometimes literally. “All the hauling of boxes of surplus books, or loading and unloading hundreds of pounds of clothing—it’s all worth it when I see a list of programs the Friends have funded,” said Denise. “Especially when attendees thank the Friends for their work.”

Why Volunteers Are So Important Right Now

Fundraisers and book sales don’t run themselves. And while the community has always been supportive—turning out in big numbers to eat at restaurant nights or browse used books—the number of people behind the scenes has dwindled.

“The more members in the Friends, the less time each person has to donate,” Denise said. “Someone could choose just one event to assist with—whether it’s posting flyers, helping set up books for a sale, or just attending a fundraiser.”

You don’t need to be a librarian or a long-time town resident. You don’t need to have a lot of free time or any special skills. You just need to care about the library—and be willing to do one small thing to help it thrive.

Get Involved — Be Part of the Library’s Future

If you’ve ever enjoyed a library craft, taken your child to a storytime, used a museum pass, or browsed the summer reading prize table—you’ve seen the Friends’ impact. But without new volunteers, those programs are at risk.

Here are just a few easy ways to get involved:

• Volunteer at a single event, like a book sale or fundraiser
• Distribute flyers or help promote events
• Attend a fundraiser or buy books at a sale
• Join as a member to show support—even if you’re not active right away
• Make a small donation to help fund future programs

Even the smallest contribution—an hour of time, a shared social media post, a few dollars—can make a real difference.

Joining the Friends is a great way to meet neighbors, support a cornerstone of the community, and help shape the future of our town’s most treasured resource. Reach out today — your library needs you.

Whether you can give a few hours a month or just want to help at a specific event, every bit counts. The Friends meet at the Blackstone Public Library every second Tuesday of the month, and you’re always invited to come by and see what it’s about.

A Small Effort, A Big Impact

Joining the Friends doesn’t require a big commitment — just a willingness to help where you can. It’s a great way to meet people, stay connected to the community, and make a real difference for a place that means so much to so many. So if you love our library (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), consider getting involved. The Friends would love to have you.

The Friends of the Library don’t just raise money. They build community. They fill in the gaps when funding falls short. And they help make the library a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone in Blackstone.

“I would like the membership to increase with active members,” said Denise. “An increase in membership means more people to help with events—but it also brings new ideas and fresh energy. I hope we always have enough to fund any request that comes before us.”

The library’s future depends on the community stepping up—not just to use its resources, but to help sustain them. If you value what the library brings to Blackstone, now’s the time to act.

Questions? Reach out through their website or social media. You might just find your next favorite group of people.

Together, we can make sure the library stays strong for generations to come.

Information shared by Denise Daignault, President of the Friends of the Blackstone Public Library