Welcome to Friends of Kingston Library

Kingston Library provides great resources for research, learning, and enjoyment for local residents, but the library can get only so far on tax money. That’s where Friends of the Kingston Library comes into play.

Through various volunteer and fundraising efforts, Friends of the Kingston Library works hard to improve every aspect of the library, including the facilities, the collection, and the programs offered. All of us in Friends appreciate the cultural and educational value of Kingston Library, and we hope you’ll join us in helping to make the library the best it can be.

Friends of Kingston Library is moving into an exciting new phase. With our return to Franklin Street approaching, a mobile Little Free Library set to roll out, and our community Book Sales coming back, your support powers the work that keeps the library strong.

Here is how you can help move this mission forward.

Donate. Every dollar strengthens programs, expands access to books, and helps us reach our goals.
Share. Tell friends, family, and neighbors about our campaign. Your voice brings more people into the work with us.
Volunteer. Your time and skills help revive cherished traditions and build new ones.

Give today and help us create a more connected, accessible, and vibrant library for everyone in Kingston.

Use the button to give your gift today!

Grant Awarded from the Kingston Rotary Club

Did you hear?FoKL was provided an award from the Kingston Rotary Club for our upcoming Spring initiative! To underscore our Kingston Library outreach and engagement efforts, your Friends of the Kingston Library (FoKL) is looking to design and create a Mobile Little Free Library as part of our 2025 plans. The Kingston Rotary Club has partnered toward this grassroots initiative to bring this “one-of-kind learning opportunity” to local community events, offering the same Little Free Library (LFL) services as our stand-alone boxes: take a book, leave a book. As the Mobile Little Free Library moves throughout Kingston, our mission is to enrich many more lives by inspiring children to explore and discover the possibilities of the written word.

Please stay tuned to the development of this resource and when we officially launch our newest endeavor!

Want to volunteer or support FoKL? 

Share your Library Story:

 

Thanks for those who have contributed so far!
We're always interested in people's experiences with the Kingston Library. Let's celebrate your personal relationship with the library.


Please send us an (up to) 300-word story on why you love your library, or an experience you had, and we'll feature as many as we can in our online edition of our quarterly newsletter "Between the Pages"!


Libraries are meant to be shared, and so are your stories. Email your stories to fokl@friendsofkingstonlibrary.org Attn: My Story about Kingston Library.

Services

FoKL Appeals: Book Sale & Fundraising

Books Sales have enhanced community literacy and love for reading for years though we have diverse efforts to support our mission.

 =SUSPENDED DURING CONSTRUCTION

FoKL Mission: Funding Kingston Library Programs 

The FoKL mission is to support the Kingston Library and educational initiatives to inspire and engage learners of all ages.

CONTRIBUTE TODAY!

FoKL in our Community: Events & Collaborations

The Friends collaborates and participates in vibrant local events that foster community engagement and cultural appreciation throughout Kingston.

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I donate books for the FoKL Book Sale?

At this time, due to the construction of the Kingston Library on Franklin St., the FoKL Book Sale is on hiatus. Please consider becoming a volunteer, donating or a Friend as another opportunity to support us!

Another great way to share books is through the Little Free Libraries around Kingston! Take a book. Share a book.

  • 1061 Development Court
  • Peace Park, corner of Crown St and N Front St
  • 37 Lafayette Avenue
  • 20 Green St
  • 22 Sharon Lane
  • 507 Broadway
  • 43 Gill Street
  • 1 Garraghan Drive
  • Gallo West Strand Park

Unfortunately, due to chronic vandalism, we've had to remove the
Forsyth Park location. Please remember these donated treasures are only as good as the last person using it.

What educational programs do you offer?

We endorse and support the educational efforts of the Kingston Library. Please participate in the diverse programming our Kingston Library offeres by clicking this link to the Kingston Library calendar!

How can I help?

Our mission is to support the efforts of Kingston Library. One way we fulfill that part of our mission is the fiscal support of programming and events. The easiest and most effective way to help is by DONATING or becoming a FRIEND Member at any level. 

What do the FoKL do?

 

In its efforts to improve Kingston Library as a public resource for all area residents, Friends of the Kingston Library (FoKL) gets involved with the Library in a variety of ways, including:

  • Providing additional funding to the Library to buy books, CDs, DVDs, and downloadable audiobooks beyond what’s possible with only tax support
  • Making even more exhibits and community programs possible, including Super Saturdays
  • Holding used book sales to raise additional money
  • Providing support and helping to care for the library garden and sitting areas
  • Getting out the vote for library elections
  • Recognizing civic organizations and leaders who provide support to the library
  • Organizing and supporting an annual staff and volunteer appreciation dinner

Friends of the Kingston Library’s official relationship with the Kingston Library is outlined in further detail here.

 

When are FoKL Meetings?

The Friends meet the second Tuesday of every month (though we do take breaks in the summer) from 6p-7p in person at the main Crown St location and a Zoom link is also available. Follow the link below for complete information:

Friends of the Kingston Library - Kingston Library

Contact Us

Heather Ohlson, President

Erica Fox-Boyd, Vice President

Peter Levangia, Treasurer

Heather Atterbury, Secretary

Got a question or something you’d like to send us?

Postal Mail:

Heather Ohlson, President
Friends of the Kingston Library
61 Crown St.
Kingston, NY 12401

 

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter

Summer FoKL Newsletter 2025

Spring FoKL Newsletter 2025

Winter FoKl Newsletter 2025

Fall FoKL Newsletter September 2024

Summer FoKL Newsletter June 2024

 

Email Us

Reach out for more information or to get involved!

Location

Temporary Address

61 Crown St. Kingston, NY 12401 USA

About us

Friends of Kingston Library is a non-profit organization committed to supporting the Kingston Library in its mission to serve as a vital community resource. Through our work, we aim to strengthen the library's capacity to offer a wide range of services and programs that benefit the entire Kingston community. From book donation drives and educational programs to hosting community events, our efforts are geared towards promoting literacy, learning, and cultural engagement. We believe in the power of libraries to transform lives and communities for the better.