The Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, organized in 1952, is the oldest Friends group in the Boston Public Library system. We are a group of people who love libraries and all the enrichment they bring to our community.  We especially love the Jamaica Plain Branch.

  • We plan and sponsor free educational and cultural programs for the JP community, including the management of the gallery space.

  • We raise funds to purchase and lend free museum passes to library patrons.

  • We raise funds to purchase library materials and supplies for the JP Branch.

  • We advocate for enhancements to the library and its collections.

  • We strongly supported the 2017 renovation and expansion of the Jamaica Plain Branch in order to better serve the library needs of the JP community.

  • The Friends host numerous events throughout the year. Our main events include bi-monthly art gallery shows and receptions, spring and winter book sales, a Tropical Fiesta, author talks, summer Ice Cream Social, Gloucester Hornpipe and Clog Society annual benefit concert, and winter holidays party.

  • 100% of the money raised goes to supporting programming and other needs of the JP Branch Library. We take our direction for needs from the library staff and community suggestions.

    These include:

    • Free museum passes for library cardholders

    • Rotating art gallery exhibitions featuring local artists

    • Children’s room storytime events

    • Author talks

    • Workshops and classes for adults

    • “My First Library Card” holders and lanyards for children

    • Arts and crafts and other supplies

    • Garden supplies and landscaping support 

    1. Join our mailing list and be notified of events and volunteer opportunities.

    2. Donate to become a member of the Friends. Memberships start at just $10/year.

    3. Join the Board! Anyone is welcome to join the Board of the Friends. We meet once a month (on the evening of the third Thursday of the month) to discuss library issues and plan events to support the library.