The Friends of the Cohoes Public Library was founded in the late 1980’s as an all-volunteer organization that would provide needed financial and manpower support to the library, especially in those areas that could not be adequately supported by the publicly funded budget.   
 
Shortly after its inception, the Friends was granted non-profit 501 (c) 3 status by the IRS. The very first fundraising campaign was conducted to raise money to purchase a new outdoor book return.  Since then, the fundraising has provided a wide range of financial assistance. 

The Friends of the Cohoes Public Library supports and enriches the function, programs, and facilities of the Cohoes Public Library. We provide volunteer workers and financial assistance through our member dues and donations and fundraising, as a non-profit 501C3 organization. 

Officers & Board of Directors

Our dedicated team of officers helps lead the Friends of the Library in supporting our local library’s programs, events, and initiatives. Each officer plays a vital role in fostering a love for reading, expanding community engagement, and ensuring our library continues to thrive. Get to know the individuals who make it all possible:

The Friends of the Cohoes Public Library is a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization that supports library resources and programs, including:

-Providing program supplies and snacks for youth programs

-Funding passes to museums and historical sites

-Backing the Summer Reading Challenge and other programs

-Over the years, supplemental funding that Friends provides has been used to purchase computer desks/furniture, special book collections, and promotional items such as tote bags and t-shirts that are sold to raise added funds for the Library.