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

We have an immediate opening for a person to pick-up book donations at two locations within Branford (behind the Blackstone Library and at the Volunteer Services Center on Harrison Ave) and bring them to the Friends warehouse also located in Branford one specific day a week.Requirements:Must drive and have access to a car or truck capable of accommodating bins and boxes of booksMust be able to lift 40+ poundsMust be reliable Text or call Joe on 203-506-5750 if interested and for more details.

Friends Board Position OpeningThe Friends of the Blackstone Library (the Friends) invites inquiries from those who may be interested in serving on the Board of Directors. The 12-member Board is the governing authority of the Friends, an all-volunteer organization of approximately 400 members chartered to support and promote the James Blackstone Memorial Library and to promote literacy by enabling the freedom to read & to make books available and affordable to all.   For information on organizational revenue and expenditures, warehouse operations, Board responsibilities and qualities sought in Board members, refer to the website at Friends@blackstonelibrary.org.  

Teens in grades 7 & up can volunteer in the Youth Services department after attending a Teen Volunteer Orientation. Tasks include shelving books, picking up toys, and wiping down toys and surfaces. After receiving training, teens can volunteer on their own schedule, for up to two hours per week. To find out when the next volunteer orientation is, check the library’s calendar at events.blackstonelibrary.org or contact Emily Yates, Head of Youth Services - eyates@blackstonelibrary.org OR 203-488-1441 x 321.

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

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.

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