• Main
• Introduction
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• App. A
• App. B
• App. C
• App. D

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Libraries of all sizes benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of a local Friends of the Library group. The relationship between the library board and the Friends is a significant and ongoing one.

Essentially, a Friends of the Library organization can be defined as a group of active volunteers who are independently organized to support, promote, improve, and expand local library services. They understand the importance of good library service for the community. The initial reasons for founding a Friends organization vary among libraries, and usually involve advocacy, community involvement, fund raising, and public relations.

Friends are recognized as one of the most important citizen groups in the library world. Time and time again Friends have brought benefits to libraries as a result of their activities and representation of community needs and interests. But their role and the library board's legal function are not the same.

The basic relationship, however, which best serves both groups, and therefore best serves the library, is one that is mutually communicative, cooperative, and supportive. Both groups are dedicated to promoting and improving library services; however, this relationship is affected by the distinct differences in the roles of each.

Board members serve the library officially in an advisory capacity as a legally appointed board, and are thus held legally responsible for the results of their decisions and actions. In addition, restrictions are established by state or local law, ordinance, or policy.

On the other hand, Friends groups are separate, independent organizations with their own officers and organizational structure. While they cannot legally take on any of the functions assigned by law to the library board, there are a wide variety of ways Friends groups can serve their libraries.

Examples of Friends activities include:

• Raising public awareness of library services
• Presenting or sponsoring cultural and educational programs such as film series, book discussions, author appearances, and seminars on subjects ranging from investments to rare books
• Conducting book sales and other fund raising activities to provide money for projects or items not covered by the library's operating budget
• Communicating the library's financial needs to the governing body or the voters.
• Advocating for increased library services and funding at the state and national levels
• Organizing and/or providing volunteers for work on specific or ongoing projects suggested by the library director
• Supporting new services, such as the lending of original art and sculpture, that later may become part of the library's ongoing program
• Operating gift shops and/or used book stores in the library
• Sponsoring writing or poetry contests
• Recognizing exceptional performance of individual library staff members
  
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8.1 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD AND FRIENDS

The relationship between the board and the Friends group should be a strong, positive one. There are a variety of ways in which the relationship can be enhanced, and the important support role of the Friends assisted, through the board's actions. Some possibilities include:

• Inviting and welcoming members of the Friends to library board meetings
• Encouraging at least one Friends member to serve as a regular board liaison by attending all board meetings
• Developing, in cooperation with the library director and a Friends group representative, a policy clarifying the role of the Friends in relationship to the library and the library board
• Providing the Friends group, on a regular basis, with information such as library board meeting agendas, minutes, and reports
• Considering Friends group members for informal advisory committee membership, especially for citizen input opportunities when library goals, objectives, and priorities are being planned annually
• Recognizing the Friends group's contributions and support of the library in such ways as letters to officials, certificates of appreciation, press releases, and honoring the group or selected individuals at special programs
• Always support Friends group activities by attending their events, contributing to their fund raisers, and offering to help at their functions
• Be a Friend yourself--join now!

8.2 HELP FROM ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

For information or assistance regarding forming a Friends group or interacting with an already established group, contact:

Friends organizations in nearby towns

Many Friends publish newsletters and calendars. Ask to be on their mailing lists.

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA), an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA).

FOLUSA publishes Friends of Libraries Sourcebook, a bi-monthly newsletter, fact sheets, videos, and pamphlets on advocacy and general activities. Much of this information is available on the web site (found in Appendix D of this handbook.) FOLUSA meets during the ALA Annual conference each summer and during ALA Midwinter meeting.

Friends and Trustees Round Table, a unit of the Texas Library Association (TLA).

The round table enables library Friends, trustees, and other advocates to promote and foster the development of library services through the exchange of ideas, experiences and information. The round table meets during the TLA Annual Conference each spring and during TLA Annual Assembly in the summer. The first day of annual conference is traditionally Friends and Trustees Day and includes a business meeting, special programs, and an author luncheon.

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