Welcome to the Friends of the Meriden Public Library. It is the goal of the Friends to raise funds through a variety of avenues in support of programming and improvements at the Meriden Public Library in Meriden, Connecticut.
The Friends of the Meriden Public Library is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization that plays an integral role in much of the programming offered through the Meriden Public Library including informational speakers, family-friendly activities, cultural and educational events, and a variety of literacy-based programs.
Contact us:
Friends of the MPL
105 Miller St
Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: 203-630-4763
Email: Friends of the MPL
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Friends of the Meriden Public Library provides a variety of services to the citizens of Meriden in support of the free public library system. Some of the programs and services of the Friends include:
Summer Children’s Programs - The Friends funds a variety of specially created summer library programs for children that help to promote literacy and library outreach to children in every age group.
Programs for all ages - The Friends funds library programs for all age groups.
Museum Passes - The Friends funds the purchase of passes to various museums and historic sites throughout Connecticut. Meriden Library patrons can attend at free or reduced admission prices.
The Friends of the Meriden Public Library was founded in 1984 by a group of individuals seeking to support the efforts and offerings of the library through privately organized fundraising endeavors. Over the years, the Friends has grown in both number of members and scope of funding efforts. Today, the Friends of the Meriden Public Library boasts a new location for its bookstore with a large selection of gently used books. The Friends also hosts a variety of cultural and educational events as well as literacy-based programs.
History of the FMPL
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Friends of Connecticut Libraries
Connecticut State Library
Officers
Officers and trustees of the Friends of the Meriden Public Library act in an administrative capacity to facilitate the programs, events, fundraising, and membership efforts of this non-profit organization. Officers and trustees are elected at the Friends annual meeting each December. The Officers for 2024 are:
President: Frank W. Ridley
Vice President: Marian Amodeo
Treasurer: Ann Biernacki
Asst. Treasurer: Blair Goodlin
Membership: Norma Paggioli
Secretary: Alexis Burgess
Bookstore Manager: Alexis Burgess
Friends News!
Friends of the Meriden Public Library receive award.
On June 10, 2023, the Friends of the Meriden Public Library were presented with the 2023 Friends of Connecticut Libraries Focused Project Award for our fundraising efforts in support of the Meriden Public Library renovation.
In a two-plus year effort, the FMPL implemented fundraising plans that included a major letter campaign to Meriden residents and businesses, multi-language donation flyers, naming opportunities in the new library, dinners, art sales and other fundraising events in the community. The FMPL also raised awareness for the library renovations by providing a strong public presence at community activities such as the Farmers’ Market and Daffodil Festival, and engaging with the Midstate Chamber of Commerce activities.
The Friends of the Meriden Public Library efforts raised in excess of $350,000 for the library renovation.
Friends of the Meriden Public Library fundraising committee accepts the 2023 Focused Project Award presented by the Friends of Connecticut Libraries. From left to right: Mariella Racco, Winnie Clay, Isabel Guzman, Ann Biernacki, Alexis Burgess, Library Director Becky Starr, Sheryl Clay and FMPL President Frank Ridley.