Join the Friends and make a difference in your community! Membership contributions support the purchase of new materials and supplies for the library, staff development and training, and public programs and classes.
“The Friends organization is a positive and inclusive group of individuals who are deeply committed to strengthening literacy and creating an engaged community by supporting library services and programs.”
— Crystal Hoey
Member Benefits
- 25% discount at the Whitney Book Corner and A Second Look
- One FREE book from either store on your birthday (with ID/valid proof)
- Our print newsletter delivered to your mailbox
- Annual membership dinner
- Access to Friends-led trips
Membership Levels
- Individual: $10
- Family: $15
- Contributing: $25
- Supporting: $35
- Patron: $50-$199
- Benefactor: $200+
If you would prefer to submit your membership gift by mail, please mail this completed membership form along with a check payable to the Friends of SCPL, 99 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. Memberships may also be paid by cash or check at both the Whitney Book Corner and A Second Look.
For students, the Junior Friends program offers a chance to connect with other teens and complete volunteer requirements for school.
Note: As of January 2024, membership has moved to a full calendar-year term (January to December). Please contact us if you have any questions.
Do you need to update your contact information or preferences? Please click here!
The State of the Friends
At the beginning of the decade, the Friends had just over 1,200 active members. Following the onset of COVID, that number dropped to a low of 362 active members. In the Spring of 2025, a strategic membership campaign was launched to rebuild and strengthen our membership base. Thanks to the implementation of several key strategies (notably member discounts in our stores), the Friends closed out 2025 with over 1,100 active members, marking a remarkable recovery and renewed community engagement. Looking ahead, we anticipate surpassing our earlier benchmark of 1,200 members by the end of 2026.
This renewed growth represents more than numbers. A stronger membership base allows the Friends to provide increased financial support to the Library, expand programs, enhance collections, and invest in initiatives that directly benefit our community. Friends members are people who believe in literacy, lifelong learning, and access to resources for all. Together, we are strengthening the Library and making a meaningful difference in our community.
Friends of Schenectady County Public Library 