Friends of the Worcester Public Library

The Friends of the Worcester Public Library, Inc. is a non-profit organization of volunteers helping to enhance the library's services to the people of the Worcester area. We were founded in 1956 to rally public support for a new main library building. Since then we have become known for our huge annual book sale, our gifts to the library, our lectures, programs, contests and special projects. Through advocacy, volunteer services, and fundraising, the Friends strive to enrich the Worcester Public Library to help it deliver the best possible opportunities for our community. 

Group of Friends volunteers.
Friends members in the bookstore.

Become a Member

Membership benefits include 20% off purchases at the Friends Bookstore, tax-deductible membership dues, invitations to special events, volunteer opportunities, and the satisfaction of helping to improve Worcester's quality of life. Please join us in support of the library. For more information please stop by the bookstore or call (508) 799-1686.

Computer with a donate screen.

Make a Gift

The Friends of the Worcester Public Library, Inc. is a non-profit organization of volunteers helping to enhance the library's services to the people of the Worcester area. To make a tax deductible contribution please mail check or money order to Friends of WPL, 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608-2074. You can also donate online.

A group of people look at books at a book sale.

Donate Books

The Friends welcome donations of books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles. Bring no more than four bags or boxes of sellable items to the Friends Bookstore during store hours. Desirable items are clean and in good condition.

The Friends Bookstore

The Friends Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Main Library.

The store sells high-quality used books and other media, book-related gifts, and office supplies.

The store offers coffee and there is a seating area to enjoy your refreshments.


Hours:

Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

A couple of Friends volunteers in the book store.

Book Sales

The Friends of the Worcester Public Library host book sales multiple times throughout the year, offering great deals on gently used books, media, and more. You’ll often find Friends book sales featured during major library-wide events like our Annual Block Party and the Festival of Lights. Book sales happen year-round!


Call (508) 799-1686 or stop by the Bookstore to learn about upcoming sale dates and details, or check out events calendar.

Book Donations

The Friends welcome donations of books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles. Bring no more than four bags or boxes of sellable items to the Friends Bookstore during store hours.

Desirable items are clean and in good condition:

  • Unbroken, not torn or tattered.
  • No highlighting, underlining, margin notes.
  • No mold, dust, crumbs, etc.
  • We cannot use textbooks or encyclopedias.
     

The Friends Bookstore is operated by the Friends of the Worcester Public Library. All profits from the store support programs at the Main Library and its branches. Friends of the Worcester Public Library receive 20% off purchases in the store.

The Friends depend entirely on volunteers to staff the bookstore. In order to expand the hours, they are currently seeking additional volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at the Friends Bookstore, please stop by or call (508) 799-1686. Volunteers receive a 20% discount on used books.