History of the Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library (1968–2025)
June 2025
The Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library evolved from a need identified in 1968 for a community organization to lead a town-wide initiative to plan and raise funds for a new library. Once that mission was accomplished with the opening of the new library in 1971, the Friends continued to operate to provide broad-based support of the library — a role the organization continues today.
Recognition of the Need for a Friends Organization
In the fall of 1968, trustees of Jamestown's Philomenian Library recognized that the existing facility — housed in the current Jamestown Historical Society Museum — was inadequate for the community's growing needs. The building was small, overcrowded, and poorly lit, holding approximately 12,500 volumes in tight, floor-to-ceiling stacks.
With Jamestown's population projected to double within twenty years, library supporters recognized the need for a larger, modern facility. Mary McGaughan, a library trustee and member of the Jamestown Women's Club, identified the need for broader community action and explored the idea of forming a "Friends of the Library" organization.
Following consultation with library leaders in East Providence and Newport, a group of Jamestown residents met in December 1968 and unanimously voted to establish the Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library. Officers were selected and draft by-laws prepared.
First Initiative: Pursuing a New Library
With seed funding from the Jamestown Women's Club, the newly formed Friends conducted a membership mailing that generated over $2,000 and 350 memberships. The organization then initiated efforts to plan and construct a new library building.
After reviewing multiple location options, the Friends selected the former Clarke School site at 26 North Road. The Jamestown Planning Board and Town Council approved the proposal and set aside the parcel for two years to allow fundraising efforts to proceed.
Second Initiative: Fundraising
Initial construction costs were projected at $100,000, later revised to $132,000. Funding sources included state and federal grants, support from the Rhode Island Foundation, and local fundraising. In 1970, the Friends exceeded their fundraising goal, enabling construction to begin.
The new library was formally dedicated on July 25, 1971.
Refocusing the Friends' Mission
Following the completion of the new library, the Friends redirected their mission toward ongoing support of library services, programming, staffing, and resource needs.
Formal Organizational History
The Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library formally incorporated as a Rhode Island nonprofit on May 24, 1969 and later received IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Mission Statement
The Friends of the Library support quality library services in the community through fundraising, volunteerism, and serving as advocates for the library's programs.
2024–2025 Budget Overview
- Administrative Expenses: $1,300
- Adult Programming: $4,500
- Youth Programming: $5,000
- Music Programming: $4,500
- Movie Programming: $500
- Museum Passes: $1,500
- Solicitation Expenses: $1,200
- RI Foundation Grant Programs: $10,000
- Library Director Discretionary Funds: $1,500
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $500
