The Friends of the Library is an organization of committed volunteers that has been supporting the Milton Public Library for over 30 years. They donate their time and energy to raise funds and sponsor activities that “enhance the Library’s role in the community.”

The library we enjoy today would not be what it is if not for their efforts. Here’s why.

First, there’s the money. The Friends raised close to $30,000 last year. This comes from dues, donations, grants, and book sales. The Friends book shop is open Tuesdays (10:00 – 2:00), Wednesdays (6:30 – 8:30) and Fridays and Saturdays (10:00 – 12:00). Last year they sold ~10,000 books at an average cost of $1. Not bad.Visit them.

And what does the money go toward? Where to begin? Let’s start with workshops ranging from nature photography to home decor. HGTV host Taniya Nayak addressed 110 guests in her talk on interior design. There were concerts by jazz, classical, and bluegrass ensembles, author lectures, and tours of significant houses of worship such as the Holy Cross Cathedral.

The Friends funds also underwrite important services such as museum passes. You can get free or discounted admission to The Children’s Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, the Pawtucket Red Sox, The Gardner Museum and more. If you have not been to the new American Wing of the MFA, what you are waiting for? The Friends are also funding the library’s recent music download service, Freegal. This service allows a library card holder to download up to 3 songs a week from the Sony Music Catalog free of any digital rights management software. You download the song and own it free and clear. You can put it on your iPod, burn it to CD etc. Granted it is just the Sony catalog but that is a tremendous amount of varied music (complete Louis Armstrong, Yo Yo Ma, Adele) It is a phenomenal offering and you can find it on the library’s home page.

You can show the Friends your support by visiting their book store or joining up. It is only $15 a year. You can find their web site here and their membership form here.