About Us

OUR HISTORY

Since 1976, the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library have actively supported and advanced the library’s objectives. Over the last forty-five years, we have initiated and sponsored various programs while offering the library financial contributions through membership fees and fundraising. In the early stages, we advocated effectively during School Board budget meetings and in the late eighties, our substantial effort and leadership played a pivotal role in successfully passing the bond issue that paved the way for the current library.

Following the completion of the new library, The Friends Book Shop was established. Its primary goals are to generate funds for library enhancements and programs, offer affordable reading materials to the community, and provide a convenient avenue for recycling used books. In 2023 we opened the Friends Coffee Shop, which is also located inside the library. The Coffee Shop provides coffee, cold beverages, and quick snacks for library patrons while also giving us a new revenue stream to financially support the library. 

Over the past fifteen years, we’ve also sought to spotlight the outstanding service of library staff, volunteers, and community members. This recognition is accomplished by presenting the Marie Madden and H. Durham Hunt awards at our annual meeting. Additionally, we host an event each year to show appreciation for library staff, and Friends’ volunteers. 

Our fundamental belief is at the core of all our activities and endeavors: A thriving library is a significant asset to our community.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library is to bolster the public library’s programs, personnel, and facilities. As a not-for-profit community group, we are committed to supplying financial resources and volunteer assistance that the library might not have the means to offer.

View our Annual Reports

2024-2025 Annual Report
2023-2024 Annual Report
2022-2023 Annual Report
2021-2022 Annual Report

Interested in Volunteering?

Our volunteers are our most treasured asset. they staff the coffee shop and book shop and support special projects and events. 

The Friends of the Library organization

  • Launches and orchestrates activities aimed at aiding the library, its visitors, authors from the vicinity, and the wider Saratoga Springs community.
  • Arranges distinctive fundraising events with the dual purpose of backing community initiatives and fostering greater utilization of the library.
  • Maintains a close collaborative relationship with the library’s staff and governing body to ensure alignment and harmonization of all endeavors with the library’s day-to-day functioning.
  • Offers the adaptable framework of a privately financed entity, contributing to the enhancement of the publicly funded library.

FSSPL Staff

Executive Director

Jennifer Allen

Book Shop Manager

Jeff Budge

Coffee nook Manager/admin

Suzi Berg

2025-2026 Board of Directors

FSSPL Executive Director

Jennifer Allen

SSPL Director

Ike Pulver

President

Vincent Asaro

Vice President

Dawn Sauer

Treasurer

Sherri Rose

Secretary

Jessica Bauder

Board member

Jay Portnoy

Board member

Amanda Martini-Hughes

Board member

Dina Baker

Board member

Jennifer Coffey

Board member

Lauren Hatch

board member

Mary Beth McGarrahan

Board member

Melanie Gerace

Interested in backing our initiatives?

donate today to support your library.

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