Friends of the Riverhead Free Library
History and Mission
The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library was founded in 1957. Its purpose is to increase public awareness of the Library and to raise funds to provide extra services and equipment not included in the Library's budget.
To achieve this mission a diverse collection of programs throughout the year are run by the Friends. Some of these programs serve as a means of raising funds, while others serve the purpose of increasing the Library's profile and standing throughout Riverhead Town and the surrounding community.
The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library takes place on the second Tuesday in May at 7 pm. The Library Association's meeting begins immediately following usually at 7:30 pm. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Membership
The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library are always looking for new members. While there are many members, there does appear to be a greater need for active members and volunteers. The many programs provide numerous opportunities for volunteering. If you are interested in taking a volunteer role in activities sponsored by the Friends, you may either call the library at (631) 727-3228 or attend a monthly Friends meeting – the first Monday of the month at 1 pm in the Library.
Membership in the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library is by payment of yearly dues.
- Individual membership is $7.00
- Family membership is $10.00
- Membership starts on May 1 and runs through April 30 of the following year
- Residency in Riverhead Town is not required for membership (neither is being a patron of the Library)
If you have further questions, you may contact the Membership Chairpersons through the Library at(631) 727-3228.
Click here to open a printable application for Friends membership. (Adobe Reader required.)
Book Sale & Donations
The Friends' Book Sale is held in the Yellow Barn on various days during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Please contact the Library at (631) 727-3228 for more information. If you have books that you wish to donate, you may drop them into the yellow book drops located near the Barn or bring them into the Library. Thank you for thinking of us with your donations. We appreciate your support.
Click here to contact the volunteers who staff the Yellow Barn.
The Perkins' Carriage House, a.k.a. The Yellow Barn
The Riverhead Free Library now sits upon the land that was originally the home of one of the prominent Riverhead families. The Perkins family already had a rich tradition of supporting Riverhead's many civic causes when the last two residents of the 330 Court Street property donated their homestead to be the site of the new library. (The library was chartered some fifty years earlier but never had a facility of its own.)
The house could not be used for public access and was demolished. Fortunately, the yellow building that served as a carriage house and then as a garage was saved. As was the custom, the carriage house was built in the same style as the Perkins family house. The workmanship and detail found in all aspects of this structure mirror those of the main house; the carriage house gives us insight into the style of the most prominent Victorian homes found within Riverhead's borders.
The carriage house underwent several transformations and restorations. Changes in tastes, transportation, and culture were responsible for the carriage house to be dubbed "The Yellow Barn." An important icon of the Riverhead Free Library, the Yellow Barn appears on official library stationary and on the Friends' letterhead. Children’s programs were once held on its steps, and outdoor concerts were staged on its patio. The importance of the Yellow Barn to the Library's heritage cannot be underestimated. We are truly privileged to have such a historical structure as part of the library.
The Yellow Barn was first restored by the Friends in 1965, and after a small fire in 1995 was restored a second time. In June of 1998 the Yellow Barn was relocated some twenty-five feet from its former location. This move was made because the impending library construction required it. One of the benefits of this relocation was that the structure was turned 90 degrees so that the front faces the parking lot rather than the rear of the library. The architectural and stylistic features now are more prominently displayed. The view from the Children's Room is terrific.
Before the dedication of the expanded and renovated library took place, the Yellow Barn received yet another touch-up. Jeff Hallock, a local carpenter specializing in restoration of old structures, made minor repairs to problems created by the move and gave the Barn a new paint job. Judy Jacunski, a local landscape designer, used monies supplied by the Friends to create a garden environment which the Yellow Barn proudly oversees.
