What are you looking for?

The Blackstone hosts 2-3 fundraising events each year, typically in the spring and fall, such as Mini Golf @ the Blackstone, Evening with the Spirits, and our annual Shred-a-Thon event. Each event is only made possible through the work of a small group of volunteers. We always welcome new volunteers to help put on these fun events. Contact: Katy McNicol, Director - kmcnicol@blackstonelibrary.org or 203-488-1441 x 312

The library offers volunteer opportunities in our Circulation department, organizing and shelving Adult Fiction and Nonfiction collections. Volunteers can work days and hours when shelving is most needed and which best fits the volunteer's schedule, usually 2 hours per week.  A familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System, attention to detail and the ability to shelve items on varying shelf heights is required. Contact: Deirdre Santora, Head of Circulation - dsantora@blackstonelibrary.org or 203-488-1441 x 315

The Blackstone offers two teen advisory groups that provide community service hours. Our Teen Advisory Group, for grades 9-12, meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 3:30-4:30pm. Our Junior Teen Advisory Group, for grades 6-8, meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 4-5pm. These groups vote on books to purchase for the library, assist with programs, and complete other projects that help benefit the library.  Contact: Emily Yates, Head of Youth Services - eyates@blackstonelibrary.org OR 203-488-1441 x 321

Teens in grades 7 & up can apply to volunteer in the Youth Services department by filling out an application at the Youth Services desk or by filling out the online application on our website. Tasks include shelving books, picking up toys, and wiping down toys and surfaces. Volunteers commit to a one hour shift each week.Contact: Emily Yates, Head of Youth Services - eyates@blackstonelibrary.org OR 203-488-1441 x 321

Founded in 1896, the James Blackstone Memorial Library has been promoting and preserving free and open access to resources that support enrichment and lifelong learning for the Branford community.Situated in an iconic and architecturally beautiful building, the programs and services delivered by friendly and welcoming staff make the Blackstone a beloved jewel in our town, and support the enduring legacy of enriching lives, expanding minds, and engaging community. Last year, the library was visited over 120,000 times, hosted over 900 programs and events, and loaned over 210,000 items!The library is a 503c3 nonprofit public library. Each year, the library receives the majority of its operating budget from the Town of Branford, and raises the remaining 11% through a variety of fundraising activities, including special events like Evening with the Spirits and Mini Golf @ Blackstone Library. Volunteers are always needed for these special events.VisionBuilding on the far-sighted founding of the James Blackstone Memorial Library, we continue to expand our legacy of engaging community, expanding minds, and enriching lives with a commitment to addressing community needs and supporting each individual’s journey towards lifelong learning, continued well-being, and personal growth.MissionThe James Blackstone Memorial Library inspires and enriches curious minds, welcomes and connects community to community, and helps our community learn, succeed, and thrive by providing essential access to information, resources, and unique shared experiences.