In the Spring of 1987, Pearlie Rabin, who was the most recent past-president of the Library Board at that time, contacted Kathy Murnane regarding the creation of a "Friends" group for the Plattsburgh Public Library.  With the encouragement of Kathy Cayea, Director, inquiries were made and interest was expressed.  The first meeting was held in the Fall of 1987, with Katherine Murnane, Jane Lanigan, Carolyn Keable, Jann Shambo, Bruni Michaud, Debbie Dahlen, Doris Neverett, Nancy VanLeeuwen, Elaine Bennett, and JoAnn Carroll as charter members.

The bylaws state that the group's purpose was to provide fundraising through book sales, the proceeds to be used to purchase new books and other items that fell outside library budgeted funds.  The Friends also planned to host an annual luncheon with a featured speaker.

The first executive committee included Carolyn Keable and Nancy VanLeeuwen as co-presidents, Jane Lanigan, treasurer, Doris Neverett, secretary, and Kathy Murnane and Jann Shambo, publicity chairs.

A successful "Red Rose Tea Bag" fundraiser was held the first year.  Book sales were held outside in front of the library and on the little patch of lawn on Brinkerhoff Street.  With the money raised, a new water fountain and a security system for the children's room were purchased.  Of course, new books were also added to the library's collection.

The group continued to grow, and in 1989, Helen Ianelli became President and established a newsletter and the Hale-Walter Gallery.  Later presidents were Dottie Buchanan, Mary Coleman, and, presently, Carol Hochreiter.

Several Directors have worked with the Friends.  These include Kathy Cayea, Anne Minter O'Donnell, Sonia Long, and Stanley Ransom, the present Director.

Friends funding has provided the library with a security system, a website, furniture, the McNaughton book leasing program, rugs and posters for the children's room, and summer children's programs.  The Friends created a cookbook, "A Treasured Collection of Plattsburgh Recipes" with two printings.  The Friends established the Hale-Walter Art Gallery, hosted art exhibits and receptions, held Spring luncheons with noted speakers, participated in Art Walks, and, since 2007, has sponsored a Staff Appreciation Luncheon.  Each Spring, the Pretty Pots silent Auction and Blooms and Blossoms juried art show are held.

The Friends have continued to grow with an inactive membership of over 100.  The Friends celebrated twenty years of service to the library in 2007. 

A new upstairs art gallery is opening on June 27, 2009.  There will be a reception to honor the 22 participating artists that evening from 5-7PM.  Everyone is invited to attend.  A textile gallery has also been established to offer a venue for local fabric artists.  Our second quilt show is presently open for visitors.  

The active membership now includes:  President, Carol Hochreiter, Vice-President, Helen Ianelli, Secretary, Kim Bailey, Treasurer, Rachel Patterson, Publicity Chair, Charlie Bainbridge, Book Sale Chair, Bobby Scales, Social Chair, Kathy Murnane, and Membership, Louise Tanner.  Pat Loughan publishes the newsletter, and Jean Tolosky, Kathy Herlihy, Barbara Riley, Joan Dermatis, Elsa Sorley, Sue Donohue, Eileen Petras, Dottie Buchanan, and Ann Novoselec also attend meetings and actively participate in ongoing Friends projects and activities.

Our membership dues continue to be $5.00 per year and anyone is welcome to join.  We are grateful for the community support of our programs and for the dedicated members who continue to make our Friends group possible.