Our Mission

The City-Wide Friends of the Boston Public Library is a volunteer, community-based organization that seeks to enhance public awareness, recognition, status, and financial support of the library system through advocacy and education. The Friends works cooperatively with the administration of the Boston Public Library, branch library Friends, and with other organizations, institutions, and individuals to support strong libraries throughout Boston as well as furthering appreciation of the value of the Library as a cultural and educational asset, supporting and linking the activities of Branch Library Friends groups, and encouraging volunteers to assist the Library.

The CWF Board met on Saturday and there will be no October book sale as the BPL is still evaluating its safety protocols so in the interest of public safety no sale in October. More information in the coming weeks on a December sale.

Book sales are on the first Saturday of each even-numbered month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square in the Lower Level Conference Room in of the McKim Building.

2021 Dates

• December 4

Donations of books are accepted at the sales or can be dropped off at the Central Library's Circulation Desk at any time. We cannot accept VHS tapes, encyclopedias, or out of date computer books.

Many of the Boston Public Library Branches have their own Friends Organizations. Please visit them.

See all

Friends of the Faneuil Branch Library
Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch
Friends of the Charlestown Branch
Friends of the Adams Street Branch
Friends of the Hyde Park Branch
Friends of the Grove Hall Branch
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Friends of the Parker Hill Branch

About

"A library is thought in cold storage." Herbert Samuel

Book Sales

Book sales are on the first Saturday of even-numbered months from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Central Library’s McKim Building at Copley Square.
Most hardcovers are $2, most paperbacks are $1, “special” new and collectible books are individually priced.
Inventory includes thousands of books in all genres (children’s, young adults, history, sci-fi, romance, mystery, fiction, classics, reference, foreign language, and more). We often have “sales” within sales.” For example, romance novels might be four for $1.

More Info

Membership

"Have you joined your Friends of the Library? Library lovers everywhere are invited and encouraged to join their local Friends of the Library group. These dedicated volunteers advocate for libraries, raise much needed funds, sponsor programs and special events, and host popular used book sales. If you haven't joined your Friends, contact us and find out how to join today." Association of Library Trustees

The power of a Friends group is its members. We represent a variety of interests, talents, and financial support allowing the Boston Public to meet and exceed its goals.

JOIN THE FRIENDS

RENEW MEMBERSHIP

Volunteer

We make a living from what we earn,

We make a life from what we give . . .

What we do for ourselves dies with us,

But what we do for others lives forever."

- Winston Churchill

The Friends are always eagerly welcoming volunteers. This is a great opportunity to meet people, gain experience, and make a huge impact on our community!

VOLUNTEER HERE!