Who We Are
For more than 50 years, Friends of Starr Library have made it our mission to support the library and, in particular, the library’s service to the community. Annually, the Friends raise over $25,000 for such projects as:
- The purchase of new books
- The Summer Reading Program
- Computers
- Technical assistance
- Large-print books
- Free museum passes
- Our community water cooler
- Plus a host of other benefits to the library
How We Raise Funds
The Friends hold five book sales every year that generally take place in April, June, August, October, and December during library hours. At these book sales, the following items are sold:
- Hardcover books
- Trade paperback books
- Music CDs
- Books on CD
- DVDs
- Artwork (paintings, drawings & prints)
The Friends accept donations of recent fiction and nonfiction, classics, vintage books, art books, and local interest titles. Audio CDs and DVDs are also accepted. Items donated must be in good condition. The Friends DO NOT ACCEPT textbooks, condensed books, encyclopedias, magazines, videotapes, or audio cassettes.
How to Donate
Thank you for your interest in donating.
Please read the below carefully to understand our new book donation system. These changes are being made to avoid overwhelming the library volunteers and staff.
Book donations will be accepted weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Donations may be dropped off on Wednesdays between the hours of 12pm and 2pm or Sundays between 10am and 12pm. All donations are to be brought around to the back of the building to the lower level entrance.
Please note, that if you plan to donate more than 5 boxes or bags of books, you need to make an appointment by calling the library at 845.876.4030.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
When We Meet
The Friends of the Starr Library meet every other month in the Mary H. Frazer Room on the lower level of the library to plan book sales and discuss how the library’s needs can be met. Community members are invited to join these meetings.
How to Join the Friends
Membership in the Friends of Starr Library is the lifeblood of our organization. We have membership levels to fit every budget, outlined below:
- Basic Membership – $10
- Reader’s Circle – $50
- Director’s Circle – $100
- Starr Circle – $150
- Patron Circle – $250
- Best Friends – $500+
You may drop off your check (made payable to Friends of Starr Library) at the circulation desk of the library (where you can also pay by credit card) or mail your check to the library at the address below:
Starr Library
68 West Market Street
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
The Friends are so grateful for your support!
How to Volunteer
If you love books, the Friends are always looking for assistance to help sort books, set up, or volunteer to help run our book sales. If interested, please send an email to friends@starrlibrary.org.