A Brief History of the Friends of the Scituate Town Library

In 1972, when the Friends organization was founded, Scituate had two libraries, one on First Parish Road near the main Post Office and one on Country Way near North Scituate Village. At that time, and until 2017, the Friends raised funds for the libraries through book sales and donations. In 1978, a “new” library was built on Branch Street, thus consolidating two buildings into one. The Friends then began meeting weekly in the lower level of the library, cataloging and shelving used books in preparation for the very popular and financially successful twice-a-year book sale.

From 2015 to 2017, the library was closed for extensive renovations. During this period, a temporary library was opened in the original Pier 44 restaurant building on Jericho Road. However, with no space to store used books, the Friends was forced to suspend its book sales.

In 2017, the almost brand-new Scituate Town Library opened with an expansive new lower level. The Friends was invited to open and manage a permanent used bookstore, sharing a floor with the Children’s and Teen rooms and the Community Room.

Since its opening in July 2017, the bookstore has become both a popular and successful way for the Friends to raise funds to support library programs. Staffed by volunteers and open between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. four days a week, the bookstore is filled with thousands of used books, many of which are new or almost new. Continuing its mission of raising funds and sponsoring activities for the library, the Friends provides over $30,000 in funding to the library for programs, activities, and events each year. With innovative ideas such as frequent book sales and bookcases at the library entrance filled with the latest best-selling and favorite paperbacks, the Friends continues to be a critical resource for the Scituate Town Library.

Suzanne Russell
President

Sherry Ctitchfield-Lyons
Vice President

Jim Pollard
Bookstore Manager

Susan Taylor
Assistant Bookstore Manager

Ruth Yasin
Assistant Bookstore Manager

Jen Sjostedt
Treasurer

Susan Gates
Assistant Treasurer

Debbie Downey
Publicity

Sherry Chrichfield-Lyons
Corresponding Secretary

Julie-Ann Adduci
Recording Secretary

Sue D’Arcangelo
Donor Drive

Elizabeth Holthaus, Trustees Liaison
Website Editorial Manager