The Friends are currently seeking the nominations for officers for the 2018-2019 year. In addition, a volunteer position of Gallery Assistant is being sought. Information about both types of positions are found by clicking the Volunteer Opportunities tab below.
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.
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 second 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 memberships are $10.00
Membership starts on June 1 and runs for a year
Residency in Riverhead Town is not required for membership
The doctoral students and members of the Stony Brook Honors Trio Program come together for one of their first performances as a newly formed piano-violin-cello trio. The concert will ber followed by a Meet The Author Reception.
The Yellow Barn and Book Sales
The Perkins' Carriage House, a.k.a. The Yellow Barn
The Yellow Barn grand opening is scheduled for Friday, April 20, 9 am - 2 pm.
Donation bins will be open Monday, April 16.
Regular hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 2 pm.
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.
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 while the Yellow Barn is in season, you may drop them into the yellow book drops located near the Yellow Barn or bring them into the Library. Thank you for thinking of us with your donations. We appreciate your support. Contact the volunteers who staff the Yellow Barn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2017 PEACE Winners
The 2017 Friends Annual Photography Contest Winners
Congratulations to PEACE Winners!
2018 PEACE Information
The Friends Annual Photography Contest
Display Cases
Find Out What's in the Library's Display Cases
Elizabeth Fox Overton Gallery
The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library is pleased to announce the April/May display in the Overton Gallery:
The paintings of surrealist Kurt Hardcastle
On view in the Elilabeth Fox Overton Gallery
From April 5 through May 30
Join the Friends and the artist for a reception on Friday April 6, 2018 between 5 and 7 pm.
Created with vivid artistic expression, Kurt Hardcastle's paintings supply the viewer with surprises and intrigue. There's more to see than you think.
Volunteer Opportunities
The following volunteer opportunities for the Friends of the Library are available:
Nominations for 2018-2019 Offficers
Nominations for officers of the Friends are now being accepted. Please indicate what office you are applying for and why you wish to serve as an officer of the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library. (Offices: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer.) The slate of officers is due by the end of March.
The following conditions apply:
Nominee must have been a member of the Friends of the RFL for at least a year.
Nominee may not be a current member of the Library Board of Trustees or have served as a Board member during the last two years.
Please send self-nominations to Marcia Littenberg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you nominate someone else, this person must agree in writing to serve and meet criteria.
Gallery Assistant Wanted
The Friends of the Riverhead Free Library are looking for an assistant to the Gallery Director. An interest in art or a background in art would be helpful but isn't necessary. The only qualification is membership in the Friends.
If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Edythe Tomkinson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
