National Friends of Libraries Week wraps up 15th annual celebration; Award applications due Dec. 4

EXTON, Pennsylvania — Friends of the Library groups from all over the country marked the 15th annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 18-24. Even while facing the challenges of their library buildings being closed, or open for limited hours, Friends groups continued to advocate for their libraries by promoting their groups, hosting virtual events and fundraisers, and showing appreciation for library staff and boards.

Friends of the Queens (New York) Public Library received a thank-you letter for National Friends of Libraries Week from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and several more elected officials showed their support of the library as well. 

Friends of Tennessee Libraries hosted a video series designed to encourage and educate Friends groups who were stalled by pandemic restrictions. New videos were posted each day of the commemorative week.

Denver Public Library Friends Foundation hosted a virtual edition of their “Booklovers Ball” featuring guest speaker author Kwame Alexander (The Crossover), an online fundraiser, and words from elected officials.

Additional events in celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week are posted on Facebook and Twitter under #NationalFriendsofLibrariesWeek and #NFOLW20.

Coordinated by United for Libraries, National Friends of Libraries Week is an annual celebration of Friends of Libraries groups. The week is an opportunity for Friends to creatively promote their groups in the community, to advocate and raise awareness, and to promote membership. It also serves an excellent opportunity for libraries and boards to recognize the Friends for their help and support of the library.

The National Friends of Libraries Week Awards encourage Friends of Libraries to celebrate and promote their groups within the community. Each year, two Friends groups are awarded $250 each in honor of their celebrations during the week. The application is available at www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/friendsweek; the deadline is Dec. 4.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. To join, please visit www.ala.org/united or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.