Friends of the Library

WHO WE ARE

A non-profit, volunteer organization committed to creating broad community support for the East Greenbush Community Library as a major and expanding cultural resource and vital part of the East Greenbush community.

Get Involved Donate

What We Do

The Friends of the Library support literacy, learning, and community by hosting fundraising events, merchandise sales, and special programs. They also advocate for libraries, highlighting their value and impact.

graphic of the Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring movie cover for January Raffle

Minecraft Raffle Basket

Drawing: March 31, 2026

Enter for a chance to win an epic Minecraft-themed raffle basket packed with How-to Guide Books, Essential Handbook, journal, stickers & more!

Thrills by the Masters Raffle Basket

Drawing: March 31, 2026

This basket features thrilling page-turning suspense from bestselling authors Freida McFadden, Lucy Foley, and Jamie Day.

image of Friends year-round book sale display cases located next to the reference desk

Year-Round & Bi-Annual Book Sales

Book sale display cases are located in the main library near the Reference Desk. There are books for all ages which are restocked regularly. Purchase items at the Service Desk. Cash, check and credit cards accepted.

eBay Storefront

Spring Book & Media Sale

Sat. 4/18 & Sun. 4/19 (Adult Books & DVDs only; no children’s books)

Spring Book Sale: April 18-19

Donation Closure Dates

List of Donations We Accept

Night at the Library Raises $12K for Community Programs

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Night at the Library, a Friends of the Library fundraising event held on October 18. This community celebration featured a silent art auction with local artists, raffle baskets from local businesses, hors d’oeuvres from Arlington House, live music by Swallowtail Vagabonds, and a mini paint & sip activity.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the event raised over $12,000 in support of East Greenbush Library programs and services. Your contributions enable the Friends of the Library to support educational programs, cultural events, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.

Event Sponsors

kids of all ages brushing and petting the pony from travelling Petting Zoo that visited the library to Kickoff Summer Reading 2025

image of girl handling chicken eggs in the incubator as part of the chicken incubation program for kids ages 5+

Singer of the Scarlett Fever music group performing on the library patio.

Group of kids participating in the Minecraft Geology program at the Library

Volunteer

Volunteering with the Friends of the Library is a rewarding way to support your community, meet new people, and support the library. Opportunities include book sale prep, event support, fundraising, advocacy, and more. To get involved email the Friends at foegcl@gmail.com.

Advocate For Libraries

At key times of the year, the Friends Advocacy & Awareness group collaborates with the library to support outreach events, support the library at NYLA’s Library Advocacy Day, and organize “Get Out The Vote” initiatives to inform community members about the annual Library District Budget Vote & Election.

Become A Friend

Becoming a member of the Friends has its perks– such as member-only activities, early book sale shopping hours, access to special collections, and much more! Membership benefits

Pay Online via PayPal or major credit card

Pay By Check payable to the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library with completed paper form.
Mail checks to:
Friends c/o East Greenbush Community Library
10 Community Way East Greenbush, NY 12061

Thank you for your support and welcome to the Friends!

3 image collage of Friends library advocacy initiatives, make a note to remember to vote, touch-a-truck tabling event, NYLA Library Advocacy Day

people of all ages browsing at the book sale

Donate Books & Media

What makes a good donation? Please keep in mind this rule of thumb when deciding what to donate – “If you wouldn’t buy the item yourself, please don’t donate it.”

Donation Guidelines

We accept books and media that meet these requirements:

Book covers in good condition
Pages are white – not yellowed or visibly aged
Current book topics with large audience appeal
Media – only DVDs and BluRays
Jigsaw Puzzles – enclose all pieces in a Ziploc bag (include note for missing piece(s) and puzzle location), place in original box and secure with a rubber band.

List of Items We Do Not Accept

Shop the Book Sales

eBay Store offers specialty books, collector sets and other unique items.

eBay Store

Year-Round Sale is on display in the main library next to the Reference Desk and stocked with books for all ages.

Bi-Annual Sales offer a huge selection of highly-curated and organized books, media, and puzzles at rock bottom prices.

Bi-Annual Book Sales

2026-2027 Donation Closure Dates:

Sun., April 12 – Tue., April 21 (reopen on Wed., April 22)
Sun., October 18 – Tue., October 27 (reopen on Wed., Oct 28)
Sun., December 20 – Sat., Jan 2 (reopen on Sun., Jan 3)

Making A Difference

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the Friends of the Library advocacy and fundraising initiatives. Together, through your contributions as volunteers and donors we are making a difference in our community! Your support enables the Friends to help the library continue to offer programs that inspire curiosity, foster connection, and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Friends Grants
Each year the Friends of the Library award grants to the Library to support programs, collections and library operations.

2026 Friends Grants

Friends Board Meetings

The Friends meet in the library at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of January, February, April, June, September, and November. All are welcome to attend.

Friends Board Members
Julie Ann Price, President
Shay Harrison, Vice President
Diana Vance, Secretary
Liz Reyner, Treasurer
Maryann Baird, Membership
Sarah Holston, Membership Co-chair
Clinton Rickards, Fundraising Co-chair
Jenn Romer, Fundraising Co-chair
Diana Valenchis, Advocacy & Awareness Co-chair
Betty Bellino Gugino, Advocacy & Awareness Co-chair

2025 Election

2026 Endorsed Slate

Policy Manual (DRAFT)

By Laws
Amendments to By-Laws (October 2023)
Friends By-Laws (updated January 17, 2023)

Friends Meeting Minutes

2026
February

2025
January
February
April
June
September
November (revised)

2024
January
February
April Minutes
April Treasurer’s Report
June Minutes
June Treasurer’s Report
September
September Treasurer’s Report
November – revised 1/27/2025

Become a Friend or Donate Today!

Get Involved Donate

Subject	East Greenbush Card	UHLS Card	UHLS MyCard
Library Card Registration	Free to any individual who resides or pays taxes in the East Greenbush Community Library taxing district or Town of Schodack. Cards expire and must be renewed every three years. Free to any individual who volunteers or works at the EGRN Library. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly. Free to partner educational agencies with verified employment. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly. Those that live outside the UHLS area may purchase a temporary card at the price established by our Table of Fines and Fees. Cards expire and must be renewed yearly. All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them. Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library	Free to residents residing in a community served by a UHLS library. All ages eligible. Youth under age 16 must have their application completed and signed by a parent or guardian, who provides acceptable identification for them. UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years. Card blocked at $5 or more in replacement costs or fines/fees Fines vary according to individual library rules and UHLS resource sharing rules. The EGRN Table of Fines and Fees are applicable for items which are checked out from the East Greenbush Community Library	The UHLS MyCard is a fine-free, limited-access library card for youth. It is intended to address multiple barriers to serving youth and families, including: Barriers to access related to fines (e.g. computer access, checking out materials) Parents not present for a child’s library card registration Previous fines on a child’s card Free for youth residing in a community served by a UHLS library.Applicants 18 and under who are applying for a limited use, UHLS Youth Only MyCard, need to provide name, address, and date of birth.UHLS library cards expire and must be renewed every three years.Youth ages birth to 18 can register unaccompanied, or with the help of a caregiver or relative who is not the child’s parent/guardian.This card may be used at all UHLS Libraries except for the Colonie Town Library. Card blocked at $10 or more in replacement costs. No fines for late items
Limits on # of Materials Borrowed	Unlimited checkouts	Unlimited checkouts	Limited total items: Can only have 3 items checked out on their card at a time
Types of Items	All eligible item types.	All eligible item types except Museum Passes, ILL, and Hot off the Press. Active paid members of the Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library have access to all lending collections.	Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Databases/Digital Content	EGRN and UHLS subscription databases and digital content	UHLS subscription databases and digital content	Only items eligible to be borrowed are books (any age level), juvenile and young adult (teen) audiobooks, and juvenile and young adult (teen) DVDs.
Interlibrary Loan	Nationwide	UHLS Libraries	UHLS Libraries
Program Registration	Unlimited except by limited program capacity	Preference given to resident cardholders	Preference given to resident cardholders