Friends Mission Statement
The Friends of the Ballston Community Public Library organizes the community to promote, fund and support the Library’s mission.
About the Friends
The Friends of the Library are a dedicated group of volunteers who support the mission and growth of the Ballston Community Public Library. Through fundraising, advocacy, and community involvement, the Friends help provide programs, resources, and special opportunities that enrich the library for everyone.
For more than 50 years, the Friends have played an important role in enhancing the library experience—supporting initiatives such as children’s programs, museum passes, community events, and special library collections.
Membership is open to anyone who believes in the value of libraries—individuals, families, and organizations alike. Whether you visit the library often or simply want to support a vital community resource, becoming a Friend is a meaningful way to get involved.
Friends meet on the first Tuesday of each month (September through June) at 7 PM at the Library, with the option to attend virtually via Zoom. Members also receive updates about meetings, activities, volunteer opportunities, and special events.
By joining the Friends, you help strengthen the library and ensure it continues to serve as a welcoming hub for learning, creativity, and community connection.
Interested in joining, volunteering or just want more information? Email the Friends at ballstonlibraryfriends@gmail.com
Friends Newsletter
Have something you’d like to share with the Friends of the Library? Consider contributing to the Friends Newsletter! Download the form below to submit articles, photos, announcements, and other news you’d like to share with fellow Friends.
What Do We Do?
The Friends of the Library raise funds to support programs, services, and special resources at the Ballston Community Public Library. Thanks to the Friends, many of the programs and materials our community enjoys are possible, including:
Art Receptions – The Friends host two annual Spring Art Receptions celebrating student artists from the Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake School District and The Charlton School.
Battery Recycling Program – In partnership with the BHBL Robotics Team, the Friends fund battery recycling collection boxes at the library.
Cake Pan Collection – The Friends support our circulating cake pan collection, giving patrons access to more than 30 decorative cake pans available to borrow.
Children’s Room Support – The Friends help keep the Children’s Room welcoming and up to date by funding furnishings, materials, the Summer Reading Program, and many special events for children and families.
Museum Pass Program – The Friends purchase passes to local museums so patrons can enjoy free or discounted admission. Visit the library to learn more about available passes and how to borrow them.
Fundraisers & Events
The Friends of the Library raise funds to support programs and materials at the Ballston Community Public Library and represent the library at a variety of community events, including the BHBL BPA’s Holiday Drive-Thru Christmas Tree Lighting, the Flag Day Parade, and the Charlton Founder’s Day Parade.
To help support the library, the Friends organize several annual fundraisers throughout the year:
Book Sales – The Friends host Spring and Fall Book Sales featuring donated books as well as items withdrawn from the library’s collection. These sales are a great opportunity to discover new reads while supporting the library.
Library Mini Golf – The Friends’ biggest event of the year! Each February during school break, the library is transformed into a nine-hole indoor mini golf course. Players of all ages can test their putting skills as they make their way through the stacks using real clubs and balls—including a fan-favorite hole that goes down the stairs.
Follow Us on Facebook
Stay up to date with the latest Friends events, fundraisers, and library news by following us on Facebook!
