Each year the Friends of the Library awards grants to the library to support programs, collections, and library operations. The approved list of grants, as of February 17, 2026, is as follows:

Library-Wide Intergenerational Program Supplies – $1,260
In 2025 the library held 27 all-ages programs with 4,652 attendees. These funds will purchase hands-on materials and consumable supplies used in programs that bring children, teens, adults, and seniors together to learn and connect which helps strengthen community bonds. Supplies may include craft materials, STEM components, literacy tools, cultural program materials, and workshop resources necessary to deliver engaging, interactive experiences. While the tax levy funding supports core operations, it does not fully cover the materials required for dynamic, hands-on programming. Without dedicated supply funding, the scope and impact of these shared experiences would be limited.

Teen Programming – $6,200
In 2025, the library offered 76 teen programs serving 1,118 attendees, demonstrating strong and consistent engagement among local middle and high school students. Programming included creative, STEM, and social experiences and ongoing programs and regular opportunities to connect throughout the year. With an average of 15 teens per program, the library delivers high-impact engagement in a safe, welcoming environment where teens can build skills, express creativity, and connect with peers. This grant will supplement tax levy funding to cover specialized supplies, materials, and interactive experiences that make teen programming relevant and engaging.

Youth Programming (ages 0-11) – $9,500
In 2025, the library offered 324 youth programs serving 21,231 attendees, reflecting extraordinary demand for early literacy and elementary-age enrichment. With an average of 65 participants per program, youth services are among the library’s highest-impact offerings. Tax levy funding supports core operations but does not fully cover performer fees, enrichment material, and hands-on program supplies.

• Ages 0-5: Programs including Family Storytime, Baby & Me Yoga, Playtime, Preschool Reptile Show, Yoga for Littles, early literacy session with songs and movement, seasonal celebrations, scavenger hunts, and interactive performances build foundational language, social-emotional, and school readiness skills while equipping caregivers to support learning at home.
• Ages 6-11: Programs including Building Club, Chicken Candling, D&D for Kids, Future Famous Authors Club, Minecraft Writing, Monday Madness, Pokeday, Reptile Show, Via Aquarium, Whalemobile, along with STEM and maker activities, Summer Reading initiatives, craft workshops, and educational presentations foster reading engagement, creativity, teamwork, and independent learning.

Adult & Information Services Programming – $7,500
In 2025, the library hosted 364 live programs with a total attendance of 6,260 participants, reflecting a strong and sustained demand for educational, cultural, and social opportunities throughout the year. Adult programs represented a sizable portion of this activity, including both programs specifically for adults (19+) and general interest programs that serve mixed-age audiences. Programs include recurring book discussions, film screenings, game-based social programming, history and cultural lectures, author talks, creative workshops, concerts, and seasonal educational programs. These offerings provide accessible, affordable enrichment opportunities for residents and contribute meaningfully to community connection and lifelong learning. This grant funding supplements the Tax levy funding which supports core operations but does not fully cover costs such as program speakers, performer fees, instructional materials, workshop supplies, and specialized program costs necessary to sustain diver and dynamic adult programming.

Library of Things Collection – $2,500
The Library of Things collection expands access beyond books by lending high-demand, non-traditional items such as board games, craft kits, technology devices, entertainment equipment including gaming consoles and streaming-enabled Roku devices, outdoor items, and practical tools. This collection democratizes access to specialized and often expensive equipment, allowing families to explore hobbies, complete projects, access technology, and try new activities without financial burden of ownership. It promotes equity, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Funding for this collection will support the maintenance and periodic replacement costs associated with heavy use and to refresh the collection with new high-impact items. Learn more about the Library of Things collection.

Wi-Fi Hotspots – $1,600
Reliable internet access is essential for education, employment, healthcare access, government services, and daily communication. Yet not all households in our community have consistent or affordable broadband service. Lending hotspots helps bridge the digital divide by providing temporary, portable internet access to residents who need it most. This funding will support the purchase of additional hotspots for public lending.

Museum Pass Program – $2,900
The Friends have generously funded the museum pass program since 2009. We currently have 37 passes from 27 institutions located in New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Museum passes are available to borrow by East Greenbush Community Library cardholders and Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library, providing free or reduced admission to cultural, historical, and scientific destinations throughout the region. In 2025 alone, museum passes were borrowed 714 times, demonstrating strong and consistent demand. Usage is specifically high during school vacation weeks and throughout the summer, when families are seeking affordable and enriching activities. Funding will ensure continuation of a well-established, high-impact program that expands learning beyond the library’s walls, strengthening access to regional arts, science, and history for our community.

Large Print Materials – $2,700
Large print materials are an essential accessibility service that is heavily used and relied upon by patrons in need of these materials. This grant will support the expansion and maintenance of this collection through the purchase of 60-75 new Large Print fiction and nonfiction titles, focusing on high-demand authors and genres. Funding this request reduces wait times, refreshes high-interest titles, and ensures that patrons who depend on these materials can continue reading with independence and dignity.

Outreach Supplies – $3,500
Outreach is a vital extension of the library’s mission, bringing services beyond our walls to meet residents where they are. In 2025 the library staff participated in and supported community initiatives such as the YMCA events (Teal Pumpkin Party), local school visits, multicultural fairs, Schodack Island Fall Fest, Find Fable the Fox scavenger hunts, and Books with Wheels homebound delivery services. This funding will support portable program materials, literacy activity supplies, giveaway books, craft materials, outreach displays, promotional materials, pop-up equipment, and branded materials needed to conduct professional, engaging outreach. Outreach strengthens partnerships with schools, civic groups, and local organizations while increasing awareness of Library resources among residents who may not regularly visit the building.

2025 Grants Issued
2024 Grants Issued