OVL Book Bags
The Friends of the Library are now selling Osterville Library cloth Book Bags.  Each bag is $5.00.  These can be purchased at the Friends' Bookstore or at the Main Circulation Desk in the library.   All proceeds go to the Friends.  
 
 
 
Art Work for the Friend's Store
Dear Friends,
 
We are looking to decorate our new FOL Book Store with framed pictures with book-related themes. We hope you can help by donating pictures. We would like mostly graphic pictures, of people doing things, ships under sail, people in motion doing adventurous things.We would like pictures of authors, poets, literary figures. We would like pictures of book covers.
 
Hemingway's book covers or other well known author's book covers framed show well and are inviting because they are recognizable. Black and white are the most graphic though we invite color also. No seascapes or pastels, though I hate to limit gifts that might work. Enlarged photos in frames are invited.
 
Once given, they become the property of the Friends of the Library. The Friends reserves the right to choose from the offerings, and to make choices depending on space, desirability and appropriateness.
ANDREA LEONARD COLLECTION
The Osterville Village Library is grateful to Judy Staples (neice of Andrea Leonard) for preserving the history of this community and local families by donating a portion of Andrea Leonard's collection to the Library.
 
Andrea Leonard was born in Osterville and attended educational facilities in Barnstable.  She lived in Chicago and New York, and spent several winters in Florida.  However, she considered Osterville her home.
 
Thank you, Andrea Leonard wherever you are.  We know that wherever that is, you will be researching the geography and the families who first settled there, and getting it down in suitable prose for future readers.
 
She did that for most of her life, part of which was spent here in Osterville.  She researched all the primary sources (material written at the time of the event) and secondary sources (material written after the event occured).  And she collected them, catalogued and saved them in physical form, and then passes them off to the Osterville Village Library and to CCCC.  Its how historians think and act, and she was a faithful historian - journalist.  We have now, for future researchers, students, and library visitors, genealogies of the Crockers, Nyes, Crosbys, Barnstable families, and Mayflower decendants. 
 
Here at the Library we are actively seeking out donors of primary and secondary history materials, like genealogies, diaries, journals, published and unpublished writings for our Local History Collection.  Give us a call if you have such writings to donate.
FIRST EDITIONS
Do you know why First Editions are valuable?  And which are? 
 
To begin with, not all are valuable. Only about 10% are.  And why?
          1) We like "firsts" in everything.
          2) Dust Jackets and typography of "firsts" look different; they look dated,
             usually less decorated than later editions; they appear more attractive.
         3) Firsts represent the labors of the author, who nursed the book along
             usually over a long, gruelling time.
 
These are all subjective judgments.  So is the last reason:  Because someone else sets the value, collectors and buyers. 
 
 
BOOKS VALUED FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES
The Friends of the Library are offering a new service for people who would like to have their books valued for personal or tax purposes.  Friends member and Book Dealer, Mr. David Yount is available to help you evaluate your books. 
 
Need a letter for tax purposes?  Call and make an appointment with David at 508-428-5757.  David will be available again soon.  Call the library at 508-428-5757 for information.
FRIENDS PROVIDE FUNDS FOR
Your friends membership provides funds for the following library materials:
  • LARGE PRINT BOOKS
  • RENTAL BOOKS
  • MUSEUM PASSES
  • AUDIO BOOKS
  • ADULT AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
  • DVD RENTALS
FRIENDS OF THE OSTERVILLE VILLAGE LIBRARY

"...a group of citizens in a community who have a common concern for their library's active expansion and participation in community life. They have a conviction that good library service is important to everyone."

HISTORY and MISSION
In 1957 when the library was moving from its location on Main Street to its current home, a Friends of the Osterville Library group existed. This group disbanded sometime in 1961, and was inactive until early 1981, when a dedicated steering committee worked diligently to reactivate the Friends. At an organizational meeting held in May of that year, 50 people attended. By year's end the Friends membership totaled 137. Today, there are more than 200 Friends of the Osterville Free Library. Over the years the friends have sponsored parties, flea markets, penny auctions, and an annual Christmas party. Speaker series programs have featured such individuals as Barbara Bush, Bob Vila, and Jill Ker Conway. The two largest fundraisers for the Friends are the ongoing book sale and the activities surrounding Osterville's Village Day. Gifts to the Library from the Friends include large print books, audio books, rental books, furniture, shelving, special performances, computers, and outdoor book returns. The ongoing support of the Friends is essential to the health of the Osterville Library.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY !
There’s never been a better time to become a Friend… a Friend of The Osterville Village Library, that is.

For those who love the Library, believe in literacy programs, and understand the need to continually improve the Library System, a membership in The Friends is a great way to show support. Membership dues help fund the wide array of programs and activities sponsored by  The Friends to assist the Library.

Membership in The Friends has its benefits too: a chance to enjoy the fellowship of other library friends and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the Library make knowledge and learning opportunities available throughout our community.
 
The following volunteer Opportunities are available:
  • Used Book Sale: sell and organize donated books for the book sale.
  • Phone Bank: Calling other Friends to help out at Library events.
  • Library Programs: Assist library staff in the arrangement and set up of fundraising and other events.
  • Hospitality: Helping with refreshments for Library programs and events.
  • Baking: Donating baked goods for the bake sale at library sponsored festival events.
Annual membership dues are only $10 for individuals and $15 for families. 
 
A membership in The Friends is a terrific gift to give to your family and friends.
To join The Friends, simply click on the Friends Membership tab, fill out the form and either mail it or drop it off at the library.

Become a Friend today!
DONATING BOOKS
Don’t add to landfills by throwing out your unwanted reading material and videos. Instead, donate your gently used books, cassettes, CDs or DVDs to The Friends. These gifts will not only replentish our stock of merchandise for sale but also will recycle the items to other people for their enjoyment and benefit.

Fiction and non-fiction books in good condition (no musty books, no torn pages, broken spines or markings in the text), whether hardback or paperback, are welcome additions to The Friends’ supply of sale items.  We also are grateful for any useable CDs, audio tapes and books-on-tape, as well as DVDs and VHS tapes.   We are sorry but we cannot accept encyclopedias.
It’s easy to give items to The Friends: Place books, tapes, record albums, CDs or DVDs in a box or bag marked Friends on any Wednesday morning or on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. 

Turn your used books, cassettes and tapes into Library programs and activities by donating them to The Friends!