Friends News
WE LOVE OUR LIBRARY
The Wellesley Free Library is a gathering place, a cultural destination and a gateway to ideas for residents of all ages. Many consider it “the heart of our community.” The Friends is a group of Wellesley residents, independent of the Library and its staff, dedicated to enhancing the quality of our Libraries by providing services and programming that stimulate the minds of our children and adults.
2026 Boston Marathon
We are thrilled to introduce Michael Higgins
the Friends 2026 Boston Marathon Runner
Michael Higgins (WHS Class of 2008) will be running the 130th Boston Marathon in support of the Friends. Having grown up in Wellesley Hills, he spent countless hours at the Main Library on Washington Street and at the Hills Branch near his childhood home.
“The library was such a wonderful place to do schoolwork with classmates and explore the collections of books to expand my literary horizons,” Michael shared. “Our library is more than just a building filled with books — it’s a vibrant community hub where residents connect, learn, and explore.”
Boston will be Michael’s second marathon. In 2024, he ran the Manchester City Marathon. Not a fan of treadmill training, Michael has been logging all of his miles outdoors despite the snowy weather. While navigating icy paths and freezing temperatures isn’t easy, he perseveres — helped, he says, by rechargeable hand warmers that “have been a game changer.”
Michael is committed to raising funds for the Friends to “help keep this valuable resource thriving, ensuring that everyone in our community can access information, culture, and new ideas.”
Please consider supporting Michael’s run. Every donation, large or small, will make a meaningful difference.
Thank you, Michael for being such a great friend to the Wellesley Free Libraries!
Many thanks to our previous marathon runners:
David Roth, 129th Boston Marathon in 2025
Thomas Weiss, 128th Boston Marathon in 2024
Cathy Bueker, 127th Boston Marathon in 2023
Alison McCarthy, 126th Boston Marathon in 2022
Cara Rothman, 125th Boston Marathon in 2021
Brian Cody, 124th Virtual Boston Marathon in 2020
Margaret Nyweide, 123rd Boston Marathon in 2019
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Volunteers, the Heart & Soul of the Friends
Have you ever thought about getting involved with the Friends? It’s a wonderful way to make new friends and get to know the people who share your passion for the Library. If you are interested, email the Friends. We hope to hear from you! THANK YOU.