The Friends officially organized in 1970 as the Friends of Scarborough Public Library (FOSL). For over 50 years, the Friends organization has supported the Library, through its advocacy and through its commitment to provide supplemental funding in support of the Library's endowment, programming, and collections. Friends organized events are offered free-of-charge to the community and reflect the interests of both adults and children.

In recent years, the Friends contributed to the Electric Vehicle Charging Station, donated a gift to the library for its future expansion, and offered funds for staff development when requested.  Each year we offer monies for the collections along with separate funds for programs including movie licenses to offer the community the opportunity to view feature films at no charge.

We are committed to increasing public awareness of the many benefits the Library offers Scarborough's growing community. The Friends is a 501(c)(3) organization. Memberships and other contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. We invite you to join us in our mission. Explore our website and learn more about the opportunities we offer to serve the Library and the community.

various programs

Take Time to renew your annual membership! 
Current annual membership year is June 1st - May 31st
And we've made it easier than ever for you to submit your membership form and payment:

Option 1 – Electronic Submission: Email your form and provide payment through our secure PayPal or Venmo accounts.  See form for details.

Option 2 – Mail / Drop-Off: Simply return the attached form with cash or check to the library by mail or at the circulation desk. See form for details.

Here are just a few reasons why you should maintain your membership:
  • Help purchase books and other materials for the library collection
  • Provide funding for the Children's summer program
  • Support guest speakers and other special library events
  • Friends donated passes to museums, parks, and gardens
  • Enjoy member only events
  • Volunteer at events throughout the year
  • And so much more! Renew today!


Emerson Lecture: Laura Poppick, "Strata: Stories from Deep Time"

This series brings science lectures to the library. Join science and environmental journalist Laura Poppick on a journey through deep time. With a focus on Maine's oldest rocks, we'll explore pivotal geologic moments that shaped Earth as we know it today, and discuss what we gain by studying Earth's ancient past. Laura Poppick is a Portland-based science and environmental journalist whose stories have appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, National Geographic, and elsewhere. Her debut book, Strata: Stories from Deep Time, will be published by W.W. Norton in 2025.  This is part of the Friends of the Scarborough Library Emerson Lecture Series and is available both in person and online. Details of the presentation can be found here.

Emerson Lecture