What do the Friends do?
Since 1983, the Friends of the Russell Library have worked to meet the needs of the Library.
Money from membership fees, donations, and book sales have contributed to support Russell Library Services.
The Friends provide funding for programs, equipment, and services that would not be available through the Library’s operational budget.
Donate to the Friends
Gifts in any amount are gratefully received by the Friends and are disbursed along with other funds to support library activities. Please make checks payable to: Friends of Russell Library
Mail to: Friends of Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown CT 06457
You may also may leave your check with a library staff member. Thank you for your support!
Join the Friends
Try our easy-to-use online membership form. A family membership to the Friends is $20 per year.
Membership dues support library programs!
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2026 Book Sales
Friday, March 27th, 9am-4:30pm
Saturday, March 28th, 9am-4:30pm
Friday, June 12th, 9am-4:30pm
Saturday, June 13th, 9am-4:30pm
Friday, Sept 11, 9am-4:30pm
Saturday, Sept 12th, 9am-4:30pm
Wednesday, Dec 2nd, 9am-8pm
Thursday, Dec 3rd, 9am-7pm
Book Donations
We accept the following donations. Donations must be in good condition.
Fiction Books (hardcover or paperback)
Non-fiction books
Children’s books for all ages
DVDs and audiobooks
Please do NOT leave donations outside the library or in the book drop.
We Do Not Accept
Cassettes, CDs, Records, VHS
Encyclopedias
Magazines
Personally recorded audios & videos
Reader’s Digest Condensed books
Please do NOT drop off these items.
Large Donations
The Library doesn’t have the capacity to accept large donations of books.
Please DO NOT leave donations outside the library or in the book drop.
Programs & Services Supported by the Friends
Museum Passes
Patrons can borrow a museum pass for 1 day and be admitted to one of the museums listed on our website.
Library Programs
Funds raised by the Friends fund library programs such as concerts and our online author talks.
Summer Reading
Providing literacy support and a lot of fun all summer long! Sign up in June for this year’s Summer Reading.
Children’s Services
Supporting a lifelong love of learning and providing a safe and fun place for kids for kids and their families.
The Book Nook
The Friends of Russell Library’s year-round book sale!
This cozy sales area can be found on the second floor of the library, just off the elevator.
This is a self-serve area. Just drop your money in the payment box and take home a new-to-you book. Or sit down on one of the nearby chairs and start reading! Prices are listed on the sales rack.
Fiction
Nonfiction
DVDs and Audiobooks
Children's Books
Meeting Minutes
Russell Library
123 Broad Street
Middletown CT 06457
Phone
860-347-2528
Events
Online Calendar
Library Hours
Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm
Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Sunday 1-5pm (October-March)