What is a Friend?

A friend should be the one on whom you can count in a time of need.  I know; I read it on someone’s Web page earlier today.  In this time of need, when government funding to libraries is being cut dramatically, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library enable the library to provide services for its patrons that go beyond the scope of city and state budgets. 

• We underwrite authors’ visits and children’s programs at the library.
• We help to fund new library materials.
• We provide the museum passes that library card holders can obtain free of charge or at reduced prices.
• We published and now sell a book titled Cambridge Voices which showcases local literary talent.
• We stage the Secret Gardens of Cambridge Tour biennially and sell Secret Gardens of Cambridge, a book we produced which features some of the wonderful local gardens that have appeared on our tour.
• We train docents to lead tours of our newly LEED certified main branch, which has just won the 2010 Harleston Parker Medal for the "single most beautiful building" built in the metropolitan Boston area in the past ten years.
• We are the sole sponsor of the Cambridge Reads program. Each year Cambridge Reads selects and promotes a book to be read and discussed city-wide. The book’s author appears at a program for students at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School and at an evening program for the public at large.
  

As of April, 2011, we already have 360 Friends. But don’t worry, we have room for you!  As Rod McKuen wrote, “Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.”  Please join us in our support of the Cambridge Public Library.  In addition to supporting the library, your membership includes discounts at Harvard Books, the Coop, American Repertory Theater, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Central Square Theater, Nomad, and Clothware, plus reduced prices on Friends’ publications and special events, and home delivery of the library newsletter On and Off Broadway.  To download a membership form just click here and choose "application" from the bar on the left.   Join now, or if you have questions about our organization, you can contact us at cambridgelibraryfriends@gmail.com .