Frequently Asked Questions

The Groveland Public Library is a municipal institution funded primarily through town appropriations and governed by the Board of Library Trustees, an elected body. The Friends of the Groveland Public Library are a separate, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization composed entirely of volunteers. We raise funds through membership dues, the annual book sale, donations, and grants, and we direct those funds toward supplementing library services that fall outside the municipal budget, including children's programming, technology equipment, author visits, and new book acquisitions. Think of us as the library's most dedicated supporters: we do not set library policy or manage library staff, but we provide the additional financial resources and volunteer labor that allow the library to offer services far beyond what tax funding alone could sustain.

No. All programs funded by the Friends, including Story Time, the Homework Help Center, the Digital Literacy Workshop, the English Language Learner Conversation Circle, and all community events, are completely free and open to anyone regardless of library card status, Friends membership, or town residency. Our mission is to remove every barrier between community members and literacy resources. While we deeply appreciate the financial support of our members and donors, participation in our programs is never contingent on financial contribution. Residents of neighboring towns including West Newbury, Merrimac, Georgetown, and Haverhill are also welcome.

Approximately 42 percent of our revenue funds direct program services (story hours, tutoring, digital literacy workshops, book clubs, and author visits). Another 28 percent goes toward purchasing new books and media for the library collection. Fifteen percent supports technology equipment including our Chromebook and tablet lending library. Ten percent covers community outreach, event costs, and marketing. Only five percent is spent on administrative overhead including insurance, accounting, and office supplies. Our financial statements and IRS Form 990 are publicly available, and our GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency confirms our commitment to open financial reporting.

Yes. The Friends of the Groveland Public Library, Inc. are a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 04-3821947, and we are registered with the Massachusetts Secretary of State under registration number 042897301. All membership dues and donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We issue year-end tax receipts to all donors contributing $25 or more annually. For gifts of appreciated securities, real property, or planned giving vehicles, please contact our Treasurer for specific guidance and documentation.

The Homework Help Center serves students in grades three through twelve. Students in grades three through five typically work with our volunteer tutors on mathematics fundamentals, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development. Middle school students in grades six through eight most frequently seek help with pre-algebra, algebra, English essay writing, and science project guidance. High school students in grades nine through twelve use the center for advanced mathematics, English literature analysis, and standardized test preparation for the MCAS, SAT, and ACT. The center operates on a drop-in basis with no appointment or pre-registration required. Students simply arrive with their assignments and are matched with an available tutor based on subject need.

Yes. The Friends maintain a lending library of fifteen Chromebook laptops and ten Android tablet devices available for two-week checkout by any Groveland Public Library cardholder. Devices come pre-configured with web browsing, email, word processing, and video conferencing applications. To borrow a device, visit the library circulation desk with your library card. A signed borrowing agreement is required, and one device may be checked out per household at a time. Renewals are available if no hold queue exists. Digital Literacy Workshop participants may retain their borrowed device for the full eight-week duration of their cohort to support homework practice between sessions.

We accept gently used book donations year-round at the designated donation bins located inside the library's main entrance. Books should be in good condition: clean, dry, with intact covers and bindings. We accept fiction, non-fiction, children's books, young adult titles, cookbooks, art books, and most textbooks published within the last ten years. We cannot accept encyclopedias, magazines, water-damaged or moldy books, or materials with excessive highlighting or underlining. Large donations of more than three boxes should be coordinated in advance by calling our office at (978) 555-0147 so we can arrange storage space. All donated books that are not sold at the annual sale are distributed to partner organizations including Little Free Libraries, the Haverhill YWCA, and regional senior living facilities.

The Conversation Circle is designed for learners at the intermediate to advanced beginner level who have some basic English comprehension and can participate in simple conversational exchanges. Complete beginners who are not yet comfortable with basic English sentences may benefit from formal ESL instruction first; we maintain a referral list of free and low-cost ESL programs in the Merrimack Valley, including those offered by Northern Essex Community College, the International Institute of New England, and the Haverhill Public Schools adult education program. Our facilitators are happy to help assess your current level and recommend the best starting point. Bilingual volunteers who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Arabic are available at most sessions to provide interpretation support for newer learners.

The Friends welcome corporate and small business sponsorships at several levels. Program sponsorships allow your business to underwrite a specific initiative such as a Story Time session series, a Digital Literacy Workshop cohort, or an Author Visit event, with your company name recognized in all program materials and event signage. Annual Book Sale sponsorships include prominent banner placement, a dedicated business table, and recognition in our newsletter reaching over 1,200 households. Custom sponsorship packages are also available. All sponsorship contributions are tax-deductible. Contact our Membership Chair at membership@grovelandlibraryfriends.org or call (978) 555-0147 to request our sponsorship prospectus and discuss partnership opportunities.

All volunteers who work directly with minors in any capacity are required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check prior to beginning their service. This includes Story Time Readers, Homework Help Tutors, Summer Reading Marathon staff, and any other role involving direct contact with children or teenagers. The CORI check is processed through our partnership with the Groveland Police Department at no cost to the volunteer and typically takes seven to ten business days. Volunteers working exclusively with adults (Technology Mentors, Book Sale Sorting Crew, and administrative support) are not required to complete a background check, though they may do so voluntarily. All volunteers, regardless of role, complete a mandatory orientation session covering our organizational code of conduct, child safety policies, and emergency procedures.