Friends of the Osterhout Donate $40,000
The Friends of the Osterhout Free Library are delighted to announce that they were able to donate $40,000 to the Osterhout Free Library just before the end of 2025! These funds will be used to provide materials for all library programs and services, including the Library of Things, School Outreach Programs and Educational Programs for All Ages.
The Friends of the Osterhout Free Library are a dedicated group of volunteers devoting many hours per week throughout the year, accepting book donations, sorting books into over 60 categories, and supervising the Friends Book Shop which is open during regular library hours. Their hard work culminates in June during the week-long Annual Tent Book Sale – which has grown to be one of the library’s biggest fundraisers of the year (Save the date for June 12-20, 2026). The Friends also host bag sales and buy one get one free sales in the book shop throughout the year, all in an effort to raise critical funds for library programs and services.
This donation marks the largest amount the Friends group has donated to the library since their inception in 1977. All of the funds are raised by selling books, with most being priced at just $1 or $2. It is an incredible donation, and the library is thrilled to be able to put the funds to good use. The Friends of the Osterhout accept donations of good quality books on a year round basis and are always in need of children’s books! Donations may be made during regular library hours. For donations of 5 or more boxes of books, please call the library ahead of time – (570) 823-0156.
Joining the Friends group as a member starts at just $15/individual membership and can help provide books and educational opportunities to local children, supports staff education and development, helps to purchase items for the library and so much more! To learn more about membership or volunteering your time with the Friends of the Osterhout, please contact Linda Kubiak, Friends of the OFL President at lmkubiak@hotmail.com or call the library at 570-823-0156. All members of the Friends of the Osterhout Free Library receive free entry to the Annual Tent Sale Preview Night!
For more information on the Osterhout Free Library and the vital services they have been providing Luzerne County for over 136 years, visit www.osterhout.info or stop in for a visit. The Osterhout Free Library is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
