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
- Digital media
- 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’ last book sale of the year is on October 25-26 during library hours. At these book sales, the following items are sold:
- Hardcover books
- Trade paperback books
- 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
We will begin accepting book donations again in January 2025.
Please check the Friends of the Library Book Sales webpage for more information about accepted items and other details.
In general, we accept book donations on Sunday mornings from 10am-12pm and Wednesday afternoons from 12-2pm. Limit 5 boxes.
Please do not leave donations outside or bring them in at other times. Library staff does not have the capacity to store or organize book donations.
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 to meet the library’s needs.
Community members are invited to join! All meetings begin at 1pm and take place in the Mary Frazer Room.
2025 Meeting Dates
- January 15
- March 19
- May 21
- September 17
- November 19
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.