The Friends of the North Kingstown Free Library is a non-profit organization founded to support the North Kingstown Free Library in serving the community. Our mission is to advocate for public support of the library and to promote a sense of community among library users. We are a non-profit organization falling under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
On September 25, 1955, officers were elected, and the Friends of the North Kingstown Free Library was officially established. This small group of citizens had two objectives: to reach out to townspeople of ALL ages to make them aware of the library; and to encourage library use. The Friends’ first project was to start a youth canteen in the basement of the former library. Despite a limited budget, the Friends sponsored preschool story hour, teen programs, exhibits, services for senior citizens and recreational facilities.
Since 1955, the Friends have raised funds from memberships; donations; fund-raising projects; and from sales through the Book Nook across from the circulation desk. Our official membership drive occurs every September. However, we accept donations all year long. Our Book Nook profits depend on the hard work and dedication of volunteers who sort, clean and display books three days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.
Memberships, donations and profits from Book Nook sales fund most of the library programs, projects, and events.
