Form a Friends Group

Athletic teams and bands have their boosters. Even Harley Davidson riders have a strong users group. Why shouldn’t your library have a Friends group?

Many public, school and academic libraries have discovered the advantages of having a Friends’ group to assist with fundraising, provide volunteer assistance and advocate support. It is also a good way to nurture a core group of advocates in good times, as well as bad.

Friends of Libraries USA, a national organization that provides support to local Friends groups, offers the following advice for organizing a Friends of a School Library.

  1. Determine the purpose of the group.
  2. Identify and develop a core of leaders, who will work closely with library administrators.
  3. Acquaint the Friends with the basic philosophy and requirements for an effective library. Define organizational structure, dues structure.
  4. Plan an orientation program/welcome event for new members. Explain policies and procedures, pertinent state and national standards.
  5. Develop a membership recruitment campaign with strategies for reaching out to potential members.
  6. Keep records and periodically evaluate the program.
  7. Recognize and thank your Friends and volunteers.

How to Organize a Friends Group
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-1.php 

Starting a State Friends Group
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-22.php 

Starting a Branch Friends Group
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-19.php 

How to Organize a Friends of a School Media Center/Library
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-6.php 

How to Organize an Academic Friends Group
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-4.php 

How to Revitalize Your Friends Group
http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-7.php 

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