Programs We Fund

How important are The Friends?

The Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries fund programs and services not supported by the library budget. Our efforts are funded through the generosity of the community through memberships, book sales, and individual donations.

MUSEUM PASSES

Each year, the Friends offer free or discounted passes to a variety of art, children and science museums as well as other local attractions including gardens, parks and historical and cultural places of interest. Museum passes are made available to library patrons and Wellesley residents. Reservations may be made in advance online, in person at the Main Library, or by calling 781-235-1610.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

Never has the Wellesley Library been more important to our town than during the pandemic. Now, although the doors are open, in person programming is not yet available. But, thanks to our hard-working staff much programming continues thanks to the wonders of digital technology. The Wellesley Free Library calendar has a complete listing of current programming.

Children’s Programs. Teen Clubs. Middle School Meetups. Concerts. Lectures. Workshops. Below is a sampling of stimulating and engaging programs we are funding this year.

Babies & Toddlers
Sensory StorytimeReading with Chickens
Book BabiesStepUp Storytime
Ukulele Office Hours 
Teens & Youth
Crazy 8’s Math ClubKid’s BookClubs
Illustrator’s WorkshopGirls Who Code
Family Flix – Ralph Breaks the InternetFamily STEAM Challenge
(Science, Tech, Engineering, Art & Math)
Adult & Seniors
Sonatas & Tangos: Works for Cello & PianoDigital Currencies and Blockchain Technologies
Robert Frost, Light & DarkFolk Concert: North Sea Gas

Money raised by the Friends touches the lives of everyone who uses the Wellesley Free Libraries. We serve all library patrons: toddlers, youth, adults and seniors in Wellesley and beyond.  Whether you like music, history, literature or arts & crafts, the Friends are funding something you’ll be sure to enjoy. Sign up to receive the Wellesley Reader or view a full listing of events and programs we sponsor on the Wellesley Free Library Calendar.

Programs

Check out our Children’s Programs Calendar for times and dates of programs sponsored by the Friends: Hills BookBabies, First Friday Crafts, Kid’s Read Book Club, story hours, artists’ workshops and much more.

Lectures on issues of interest, concerts for music aficionados, art workshops and a variety of demonstrations; these are just a few of the programs made possible by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Libraries.

The Wellesley Free Library offers a variety of programs for teens and young adults. Summer reading events, performing artists & visiting authors, vacation week events and other library programs are supported by the Friends. Check out our Teen Programs Calendar for times and dates of programs sponsored by the Friends.

In addition to supporting the Main Library, the Friends fund and sponsor many programs, activities and events at the Fells and Hills Branch Libraries.  Of particular note is the recently renovated Fells Branch for young learners geared toward 0-6 year-olds that encourages caregiver and preschooler interactions.