Friends & Foundation of APL

The Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library (FFAPL) provides critical financial support to the Albany Public Library in order to help the Library provide education, literacy, career development, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning. The FFAPL was created in February 2020 after two years of discussion between the Friends of Albany Public Library (Friends of APL) and the Albany Public Library Foundation (APL Foundation). The Friends of APL have been supporting the Library for over 70 years. The Friends of APL organized book sales, book reviews, author talks, film screenings and other programs. The APL Foundation was founded in 1998 to benefit the programs and facilities of the Albany Public Library. In its first decade, the APL Foundation provided advocacy and development support for Library staff and Trustees. The APL Foundation was re-energized in 2012 under new leadership committed to expanding the Foundation in order to providing critical financial support for the Library. Board President Holly McKenna and Board Members worked to build a robust organization supporting the Library through a consistent roster of annual programs, beginning with the Literary Legends gala.

The Friends & Foundation presents book talks, readings, and other literary events. The Friends & Foundation raise money through book sales, an annual appeal, ticketed author receptions, and our annual Literary Legends gala. The Friends & Foundation funds the Art@APL exhibition program, as well as pilot programs and special initiatives at the Albany Public Library.