Friends of Libraries Section — A Network of Library Advocates in New York State

Volume 1, #3, June 2015

standing L-R: JudyStrauss, Jordan BramleyLibrary (Jordan NY),Audrey Kearney andPaulette Quinn, MarcellusFree Library, VirginiaOkrasinski, Cady Library(Nichols NY)seated L-R: AnneAndrianos, OnondagaFree Library, PaulineSatterly, Groton PublicLibrary

Inside this issue:Passionate Workers and Learners... page 2WebJunction................................ page 2NYLA125: Explore. Learn. Grow..... page 3FLS Conference Programs.............. page 4Literary Landmarks™.................... page 52015 NFOLW Proclamation............ page 6FLS Candidate Profiles................... page 7FLS Board Contact List ................. page 8

The mission of theFriends of Libraries Sectionis to promote and inspire

local Friends groupsin libraries of all typesfor the betterment of

New York State's librarycommunity.

FLS Elections Included inNYLA Annual Election Process

This year members of the Friends of LibrariesSection are able to cast their votes to elect the2015 FLS Executive Board as a part of the NYLAonline elections. The bylaws of the newest sectionin NYLA allow for participation in this processinstead of voting at the FLS annual membershipmeeting.

By now, members of the section should havereceived an email announcing that elections areopen until July 15. This announcement includedvoting instructions. Please cast your online ballot inthe FLS and NYLA elections.

Here’s the slate for the 2015 Friends of LibrariesSection Executive Board:First Vice President/President-Elect; Term: 2015 - 2018

Janet E. Kreason (Clifton Park, NY)Secretary; Term: 2015 – 2017

Lynne Madden (Victor, NY)Member At Large; Term: 2015 - 2016

Vicki N. Kosovac (Hudson, NY) incumbentMembers At Large; Term: 2015 – 2017

Marie Orlando (Valatie, NY) incumbentSusan Swanton (Rush, NY) incumbentBetsy Sywetz (Richfield Springs, NY)

changing positions on boardFrank Van Zanten (Poughkeepsie, NY)

incumbent

Position statements by the candidates may befound on page 7. Additional information about eachcandidate may be found at www.NYLA.org/Friends.

FLS Offers "Meet-up" forFriends of Libraries Groups in Southern Tier

Friends representing libraries from Central NY and the SouthernTier gathered with the FLS Board for a very successful meet-updiscussion of "all things Friends!"

Ten representatives of Friends of the Library groups from eightpublic libraries in three public library systems gathered to talkwith the members of the Friends of Libraries Section's ExecutiveBoard at the Vestal Public Library on May 28. A total of 22people brought varying levels of experience to the table whereideas were shared to help strengthen the work of Friends inlibraries large and small. In addition to the participants in ourphoto, Janet Thomas (Apalachin Library Association), LindaFooty (Broome County Public Library), and Jim Holley (VestalPublic Library) also attended.

Before the meeting, Friends suggested topics they wereinterested to discuss with the FLS Board and other Friendsgroups. Representatives brought handouts from their libraries toshare including membership brochures, fliers of regionalmeetings, bookstore and book sales promotional pieces, andnewsletters. One topic raised included suggestions of successfulstrategies to recruit volunteers who might become Friendsofficers and ways to broaden the involvement of rank-and-filemembers in Friends activities which could assist in developingleadership for the group.

Book sales are always a perennialinterest of Friends, but the meet-upfocused on new and exciting ideas forpublicity which ranged from successesusing banners and lawn signs to socialmedia. NYLA's Administrative SupportServices for Friends of Libraries Groups

~ continued on page 8 ~

Quarterly Newsletter of the Friends of Libraries Section of the New York Library Association

Mirror Lake, photo by Terry Mulee

Passionate Workers and LearnersA Message from FLS President Lisa C. Wemett

"Do it with passion, or not at all."

That saying is attributed to the 19th-century Englishchildren's novelist, Rosa Nochette Carey. It is a quotethat has stood the test of time and has cropped up on21st century greeting cards, mugs, and other awards torecognize dedication to task.

Libraries today are no longer just about the space, thenumber of computers available, and the collections.Increased numbers of learning opportunities for all agesplus changing technologies are part of this evolving librarylandscape Friends are asked to support. Friends groups ofall sizes are passionate about their work and helping theirlibraries grow and flourish. But sometimes that message"but we've always done it this way" is a turn-off to newvoices, new volunteers. What can established Friendsofficers and volunteers do in order to be moreopen-minded, embrace new trends, and try somethingdifferent?

The value of sharing ideas with other Friendsorganizations and seeking out professional developmentopportunities cannot be overstated. One way FLS iscommitted to helping Friends in their day-to-day work is topublish articles in our newsletter with ideas that groupscan easily replicate and adapt, making them uniquelytheirs. Another way is FLS's active participation in ourAssociation's statewide annual conference. Ourconference programmer, Vice President Sarah Sachs, hasput together a powerful line-up of panel discussions forLake Placid. The new offering of a "Friends Showcase"will highlight volunteer projects from libraries large andsmall all over northern New York State. We know thesesessions will be as much of an enticement to visit theAdirondack Park for a fall getaway as the spectacularfoliage in October!

You owe it to yourself, your Friends, and your library toattend. The NYLA annual conference sessions focus onspecific topics with participants sharing their experiencesand best practices. You will begin to see the value oflibraries in a new way plus the "big picture" issuesreceiving national attention. You'll be exposed to a wealthof information and resources that can help your groupgrow and develop into an even more supportiveorganization for your library.

Meeting new colleagues from all over the state involved insimilar groups is both fun and energizing: you can beginto build a support network of Friends volunteers andlibrary staff that you can contact when you havequestions. If your library's director or trustees are alsoattending, the shared experience can help you work bettertogether when you return home. Be sure to put "NYLAAnnual Conference" on the meeting agendas for both the

library trusteesand the Friendsfollowing theconference soyou can reportback on whatyou learned andkeep the dialogue going.

If Lake Placid seems out of reach in 2015, look ahead toparticipating in Saratoga Springs in 2016 and 2017. Orjoin in the Friendly discussions at one of the groupsoffered by several library systems around the state. InApril, FLS co-hosted the Friends Council of the MonroeCounty Library System along with the Friends of thePenfield Public Library. With 35 participants and guestspeakers, it was a valuable opportunity to shareinformation and the great work being done in theRochester region. Several systems hold regular meetingsof Friends officers and other group members, includingMid-Hudson Library System's "Friends Support Group"(FSG), Ramapo Catskill Library System, and PioneerLibrary System. These regional forums gave me the ideato hold a Friends "meet-up" in the Southern Tier of NYSwhen FLS held an in-person board meeting in Vestal atthe end of May.

Over the next few years, FLS will continue to build itscapacity to meet the needs of our members statewide andpassionately advance the message of how vital Friends areto their community's library. You have a uniqueopportunity to increase the impact of your volunteerefforts by participating in your region's Friends councils,FLS's meet-ups, and NYLA's annual conference. Pleasejoin us and share your experiences.

Free Courses on WebJunction

The New York State Library has arranged to provide freeaccess to WebJunction's self-paced courses for all librarystaff, volunteers including Friends and trustees, andstudents. WebJunction is an approved provider ofprofessional development content. Free access isprovided by simply creating your own account atwww.learn.webjunction.org.

WebJunction's catalog includes library-specific courses andcurated webinar archives. Some of the online coursesthat are available include Building a Positive Social MediaPresence, Winning Library Grants, and Recruiting andTraining Volunteers for Library Advocacy. Use the web-site's search box to look for topics of interest and see thelist of offerings. If your library has a volunteer "Adopt AShelf" program, there is a session on shelving items by the

~ continued on page 7 ~

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 2

Friends Day Scheduleat a Glance

Friday, October 24

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.Exclusive NYLA Trade ShowTimeVisit the exhibits in theconvention hall. Trade Show isopen from 9:00 a.m. - Noon

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Painting in Plein Air

12:30 p.m.YSS Empire State AwardLuncheonSpecial Event (tickets $35*;requires pre-registration) FLSattendees will have reservedseating at this event.(*included in ConferencePackage Plan)

2:15 - 3:30 p.m.Friends & Foundations: AMerger

3:45 - 5 p.m.Friends ShowcaseThe FLS annual membershipmeeting, including theannouncement of the DanCasey Award winner andinstallation of the 2015Executive Board, will begin thesession, followed immediatelyby the program.

Saturday, October 259:30 - 10:45 a.m.Accounting for Non-Profits

Editor’s note: Times subject to changebased on final schedule. See the NYLAAnnual Conference Brochure or go towww.nyla.org for more information.

Friends Day at theNew York Library Association

Annual Conference:“NYLA125: Explore. Learn. Grow.”

Friday, October 24, 2015Conference Center at Lake Placid

This year's conference is all about going back to our roots, building on thatfoundation, and moving forward. This is where it all began. Come and celebratethe 125th anniversary of the founding of NYLA in the hometown of Melvil Dewey.This is also where the Empire Friends Roundtable (now the Friends of LibrariesSection) was established at the 1992 NYLA Annual Conference.

FLS will be sponsoring four programs at this year's conference. NYLA membersregistered as Friends or with a Friends Group are eligible for greatly reducedrates to attend the conference for a day or the entire conference. Registrationentitles you to attend non-ticketed programs and have access to the TradeShow. Many ticketed events are included in the conference package rate.Complete conference information is available online. Visit www.nyla.org andclick on News and Events, then select Conference and Trade Show.

The early bird registration is just $25 for any one single day admission to theconference for the following NYLA member types: personal members at theFriend level and individuals belonging to an organizational member FriendsGroup including the primary contact for the group (voting member) and theelected officers of that Friends Group who have been registered as non-votingmembers of NYLA. The conference registration entitles participants to an entireday of workshops sponsored by FLS and other NYLA Sections, Roundtables, andAffiliates plus a great trade show* of library-related vendors. After August 14,the rate increases to $30 and after September 25 to $35 for a single day. *Thetrade show is not open on Saturday.

Are you planning to attend for more than two days? NYLA is offering a PackagePlan registration rate for NYLA/FLS members (same membership requirementsas stated above). Register by August 14 for the early bird rate* of $175. Thepackage includes attendance Thursday through Saturday plus tickets toluncheons on Thursday and Friday, a breakfast on Saturday, the scholarshipevent on Thursday evening, and the inaugural banquet on Friday night. *AfterAugust 14, the rate increases to $215 and after September 25 to $235.

If you do not wish to attend these extra events, there is a Full Conferenceregistration rate covering all non-ticketed programs scheduled from Thursdaythrough Saturday, the trade show on Thursday and Friday, and a ticket toFriday's inaugural banquet for only $99. After August 14, the rate increases to$139 and after September 25 to $159.

You may purchase a ticket to any of the Friday luncheons for $35.

NYLA offers these same deeply discounted registration rates for their membersregistered as students, trustees, and retirees.

All registrations must be submitted online; check the early bird and advancecut-off dates and fees at www.nyla.org. You must have a NYLA login andpassword in order to receive these member benefits. Please contact Lois Powell,Director of Membership Services and Conference Registrar, by telephone forassistance in registering if you are paying by organizational check, need to beinvoiced, or are joining as a new NYLA member in order to attend theconference: (800) 252-6952, ext. 104 or (518) 432-6952. NYLA does not takecredit card payments over the telephone.

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 3

Plein Air Committee

Vivian Vande Velde

Above, Peg Glisson and SharonSalluzzo. Right, Ned Davis

NYLA125: Explore. Learn. Grow. The 2015 Annual ConferenceSpecial Events and Friends of Libraries Section Programs

Friday, October 249:45 - 10:45 a.m. Exclusive Trade ShowTimeVisit the exhibits in the convention hall. Stop by the FLSbooth to buy a raffle ticket and meet your fellow Friendsmembers.

The Trade Show ends at 12 noon. You may have lunch onyour own or attend one of the NYLA luncheons withfeatured speakers. Pre-registration is required for allluncheons by September 25. (Your choice of luncheons isincluded in the Conference Package Plan registration.)

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Program Slot #4Painting in Plein Airco-sponsored by LTA.

When funding was cut $4000, Morristown Public Librarytook advantage of their picturesque surroundings on theSt. Lawrence River, creating an innovative annualcommunity arts festival. Library Director BridgetWhalen-Nevin and volunteers Michele Whalen, Gail Zeek,Carolyn Noble, and Connie Martin will show us how it'sdone.

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. YSS Empire State AwardLuncheonJoin other Friends at this luncheon. We will have reservedseating for FLS members and Friends at this event. Youmust purchase a ticket ($35.00) in advance.

The Youth ServicesSection is pleased topresent the 2015 EmpireState Award forExcellence in Literaturefor Young People toVivian Vande Velde.Vivian is the author ofthree dozen books forreaders ranging in age

from picture book readers to adult, but primarily for 8 – 12year-olds and younger teens. The vast majority of herstories are fantasy including fairy tales, ghost stories, andnot-yet-invented-technologies science fiction. Her latest

book is Frogged, which is about a princess, a frog, and atroupe of very bad actors. Her books have won nationalrecognition, including the Edgar for best young adultmystery for the year 2000 (Never Trust a Dead Man), the2001/2002 Anne Spencer Lindbergh Prize in Children'sLiterature (Heir Apparent), and several state readingawards, as well as being named on recommended lists byThe New York Public Library, the American LibraryAssociation, and the International Reading Association.Although her books have been translated into Spanish,French, Italian, German, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Thai,and Indonesian, she has lived most of her life inRochester, New York.

2:15 - 3:30 p.m. Program Slot #5 Friendsand Foundations: A Mergerco-sponsored by LTA and PLS.Merging a library's Friends group with its Foundation canoften improve fund-raising and program activities, whilehelping raise the library's profile in the community. NedDavis, Peg Glisson, and Sharon Salluzzo from the Friends& Foundation of the Rochester Public Library will discussthe path to their successful merger including possiblepitfalls and delays and benefits to the library.

3:45 - 5:00 p.m. Program Slot #6Friends ShowcaseJoin FLS for a short annualmembership meeting, including theannouncement of the 2015 DanCasey Library Advocacy Awardhonoring volunteers who havecontributed to the growth oflibraries or Friends organizations inNew York State. The 2015 FLS Executive Board will alsobe installed.Our program Friends Showcase will follow immediately.Volunteer groups that support libraries come in all shapesand sizes. Hear a five minute synopsis by eachparticipating library group and then get a chance tointeract and take home some of their best ideas. Thepresentation will showcase groups from libraries in thenorthern part of the state including Saranac Lake FreeLibrary, Plattsburgh Public Library, and Potsdam PublicLibrary.

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 4

Both volunteers for Friends of the Library groups andcommunity members who serve on the library's Boardof Trustees have much in common in helping librariessurvive and thrive. FLS is pleased to once again haveLTA, the Library Trustees Association, as a co-sponsorfor three of our programs at the conference. This isthe second year of our collaboration and FLS is gratefulfor LTA’s continued support of these valuableprograms.

CelebrateNational Friends of Libraries Week

October 19-24, 2015by attending the NYLA Annual Conferencein Lake Placid (birthplace of NYLA & EFR)

from October 21-24, 2015

Saturday, October 259:30 - 10:45 a.m. Program Slot #7Accounting for Non-Profitsco-sponsored by LTA and PLS.How much profit can my organization make? Do I have tofile that form with the IRS? What about sales tax? CPAand Certified Fraud Examiner John Parsell will answerthese and other accounting questions for 501(c)(3)organizations. John specializes in non-profit accountingand serves as an internal auditor for the Potsdam PublicLibrary.

9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Program Slot #7Fundraising Ideas for the Smaller Librarysponsored by Rural Libraries Roundtableco-sponsored by FLS, PLS, NYCftH.Outside the box ideas for fund-raising. Whether you needmoney for a program, a project, or a few more books, youcan raise the needed funds with tried and tested ideas.Participants will be presented with many fund-raisingideas: large and small, conventional and unconventional.Then they will be encouraged to collaboratively tailor oneor two ideas specifically to their library. The program willuse cooperative group techniques to sharpen ideas andmake them workable for an individual library. Thepresenters are Karen Glass, Keene Valley Library andCheryl Blanchard, Payne Memorial Library, Willsboro, NY.

A Little Something Different at Lake Placid

Wednesday, October 215:00 – 6:00 p.m.NYLA125: Explore. Learn. Grow. OpeningCeremony

In honor of NYLA’s 125th Anniversary and in deference tothe conference being held in New York’s Olympic City, thisyear’s conference will feature an opening ceremony. Joinin the procession of libraries and library systems and begreeted by American Library Association President SaraFeldman as we kick off the 2015 NYLA Annual Conference.This is a free event.

Literary Landmarks in Honor ofNYLA's Anniversary

by Lisa C. Wemett

FLS has been working with groups in the North Country,near the site of NYLA's 2015 Annual Conference in LakePlacid, to assist two historic museums to achieve LiteraryLandmark™ designation from ALA's United for Libraries.

Both of our applications were successful!

The Wilder Homesteadin Burke plans to havethe dedication of theirplaque on Saturday, July11. (Go towww.Facebook.com, and"like" the AlmanzoWilder Farm to receive

additional details about the dedication ceremony plans asthey develop.) The Homestead, the setting for LauraIngalls Wilder's Farmer Boy (1933), is where Laura'shusband Almanzo grew up from 1857 until his familymoved to a farm in Minnesota in 1875.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage andMuseum in Saranac Lake is planning a celebration laterthis year. Stevenson lived here during the winter of1887-1888, seeking the fresh mountain air for his poorhealth as did many visitors who made Saranac Lake aworld-famous center for the treatment of tuberculosis.When he left for his South Sea voyages, an endlessstream of star-struck literary pilgrims came to see the spotwhere Stevenson created some of his finest contributionsto English literature. The cottage is well-preserved withan expansive collection of personal mementos belongingto Stevenson and personal artifacts used by him.

As FLS President, I speak for the entire FLS Board andRocco Staino, Director for the Empire State Center for theBook, to say "thank you" to all the Sections of NYLA thatmade contributions to underwrite the cost of the bronzeplaques for these two locations ($1600 total). Thedesignation of two Literary Landmarks is a wonderful giftand legacy in honor of NYLA's 125th anniversary.

For further information about the sites, see the article inthe June issue of the NYLA e-Bulletin posted on theirwebsite, www.nyla.org.

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 5

2015 NFOLW Proclamation Order FormTo purchase a facsimile copy of the New York Senateproclamation honoring National Friends of LibrariesWeek 2015, mail this form and your check payable toFLS NYLA to Marie Orlando, 309 County Route 28B,Valatie, NY 12184 by September 10, 2015.

______ copies at $6 per copy (FLS members)______ copies at $10 per copy (non-members)$_____ total enclosed

Name ____________________________________________

Organization _______________________________________

Address __________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

National Friends of Libraries Week October 19-24, 2015New York State Senate Honors Friends

The New York State Senate has passed a resolution, readon the Senate floor on March 10, 2015, recognizingNational Friends of Libraries Week and the significantcontributions of Friends groups throughout the State.

Senators Joseph E. Robach and Leroy Comrieco-sponsored the resolution. NYLA's Friends of LibrariesSection is making legal-size facsimile copies of theproclamation available. It is suitable for framing. Friendsgroups may want to display the proclamation in theirlibraries during NFLOW. To order your copy use the formbelow.

Each year, United for Libraries, the affiliate of theAmerican Library Association which serves Friends,Foundations, and Trustees of libraries and which sponsorsNFLOW, presents an award to a library Friends group forits outstanding campaign. Often the winning group takesa multi-faceted approach which involves much advanceplanning and coordination. Perusing the award websitewww.ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/friendsweekwill give you lots of ideas and inspiration, but if your time

and resources are more limited, here are some other waysto celebrate.

Hold a special fall event that week such as a pumpkincarving or decorating workshop, or a fall flower arrangingworkshop using pumpkins as containers, materialscompliments of the Friends.

Serve cider and doughnuts or cookies, with signageclearly identifying the reason for the celebration. Havelots of Friends membership applications on hand, andperhaps a display of photos from Friends events.

Approach Town, Village and/or County officials and askthem to sponsor a resolution honoring your local Friendsgroup. Mentioning that the State Senate has already donethis might help.

An easy thing to do is to send a press release and letterto the editor of your local newspapers and radio stations.Wording for these can be found atwww.ala.org/united/event_conferences/folweek

Another idea is to take an ad out in your localnewspaper, or a screen shot to be included in your localmovie theater's advertising slide show. Either of thesecould announce NFLOW and highlight some of thecontributions your Friends group has made to the libraryand community. You might even collaborate on this withFriends groups from nearby libraries to help defray thecost.

Of course, any of these activities should be cleared withthe library administration first, especially those involvingthe use of library space.

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 6

FLS Executive Board ElectionCandidate Profiles

First Vice President/President-ElectJanet E. Kreason, Youth Services Specialist, CliftonPark-Halfmoon Public LibraryPosition Statement:Connections. We make them daily with other people, withinformation, and within ourselves. The stronger and moreabundant these connections are, the greater our value toall. I am daily thankful to work in a library with a dynamicFriends group which heightens library visibility in ourcommunity. It generates great goodwill with individuals,schools, and other agencies. Its enthusiastic membersdelight in supporting and enhancing the library's servicesfor babies up through seniors. The Friends are the face ofthe library to many who cannot come to us. FLS is theideal channel for pooling knowledge, generating ideas,and inspiring each other with successes. It also providesessential advocacy and encouragement. Working together,Friends and librarians can forge vibrant partnerships toeffectively meet community needs. I relish theopportunity to serve FLS as part of the vital teamconnecting Friends to Friends and libraries throughout thestate.

SecretaryLynne Madden, Youth Services Specialist, VictorFarmington LibraryPosition Statement:The Friends of the Library was formed at the same timethe new library was being built, so I’ve been involved withthis organization for over twenty years. It’s been aninvaluable asset to the library. Over the years they’veprovided funds, materials, equipment, and programs tothe library. I wouldn’t be able to provide the wonderfulprograms and services to our local children and familieswithout their support. I’ve also made many lifelongfriends by being part of this group; we’re not just Friends,we’re family.

Member At Large (one year term)Vicki N. Kosovac, Past President, Friends of the HudsonArea LibraryPosition Statement:Friends groups have an important role to play in thesuccess of their associated libraries. Developing a Friendsgroup to its full potential is hard work and a volunteer'stime is precious. Hopefully with insights I've gleaned frommy experiences of revamping a moribund local group to

the vital organization it is today, my help will inspire andmotivate other Friends groups statewide in the future.

Members At Large (two year term)Marie Orlando, Chair, Friends of the Kinderhook MemorialLibraryPosition Statement:Working with my local Friends group and with NYLA'sFriends of Libraries Section has given me the opportunityto remain involved with libraries after retirement from thelibrary field. I've had a chance to see up close thededication of volunteers who are committed to helpingtheir libraries remain vital to the communities they serve.It has been a privilege to be a part of this, both locallyand statewide, and I look forward to continuing thisexciting work.

Susan Swanton, Retired and Library Substitute, RushPublic LibraryPosition Statement:My goal is to help the Friends of Libraries Section as thenewest section of NYLA in any way I can. What helps oneFriends group helps all Friends groups. I believe inreminding elected officials to see organized supportgroups for libraries like Friends as important blocs ofvoters. As NYLA's bumper sticker says, ‘I love libraries andI vote!'

Betsy Sywetz, RetiredPosition Statement:FLS is a place for us to share ideas and implementstrategies in support of excellent library service. We havea special role to play helping Friends of Libraries achievesuccess. I am seeking election as FLS Member At Largeso I can continue to use my skills and talents in support ofthese worthy goals. The other challenge is to get FLS offon the right foot to grow as an organization. I've learnedvaluable lessons from my career and as a member of theEFRT board that can help insure FLS reaches its potentialas a NYLA section. I'm prepared to work hard to helpmake that happen.

Frank Van Zanten, RetiredPosition Statement:Following my career-long involvement with libraries, FLSnow offers me opportunities to continue to show myinterest and stay involved during retirement years.

WebJunction from page 2

Dewey Decimal Classification system. Other headings toexplore are fundraisers, roles and responsibilities oftrustees, programming, and effective websites. Web-Junction also hosts more than 20 live webinar sessionsthroughout the year that allow library workers andvolunteers to meet and learn from library leaders.

Dozens of new articles on hot library topics written byWebJunction staff and library practitioners are publishedon a regular basis and highlighted on the WebJunction.orghomepage. The "Crossroads" e-newsletter is sent tosubscribers monthly to announce upcoming learningopportunities.

FLS Newsletter, Volume 1, #3, June 2015 page 7

FLS Offers "Meet-up" from page 1

was described as an alternative for groups applying fortheir own 501(c)(3) status. Questions were raised aboutways the groups who support association libraries couldoperate with separate financial accounts from theirlibraries if they did not have nonprofit status.

National Friends of Libraries Week in October wasmentioned as a way to highlight the "good works" ofFriends. Friends' support of advocacy efforts on behalf ofthe library, such as reminder telephone calls for budgetvotes, is important to all groups. Large scale book salesare a tangible way to involve the community and get the

library's message out to library supporters who are willingto volunteer their assistance for the sales.

The Nonprofit Revitalization Act of NYS was referred to inthe context of Friends groups needing to review theirbylaws, being aware of new restrictions on handlingbusiness electronically between scheduled meetings, andadopting necessary policies (e.g., Conflict of Interest).The FLS Board shared the plans for workshops on "FriendsDay" at the library association's annual conference in LakePlacid in October, encouraged submissions for the FLSDan Casey Advocacy Award, and explained the benefits of

personal and organizationalmemberships in the New YorkLibrary Association.

The meet-up was a livelyexchange of "best practices" andtips to keep Friends groupsgrowing strong to continue theirvaluable work. If you areinterested to have theassistance of the FLS Board inholding a meet-up in your areaof New York State, pleasecontact FLS President LisaWemett atlisawemett@frontiernet.net.

We'd be glad to help.

Thanks to all of you who cameto share and learn. We couldn'thave done it without you!

This newsletter is a publication of theFriends of Libraries Section of the

New York Library Association.

Terry Mulee, Newsletter EditorRegional Reporters:

Rebekkah Smith AldrichSusan Swanton

Newsletter printed since 1996 byGeneral Code Publishers781 Elmgrove RoadRochester, NY 14624

NYLA leads, educates, andadvocates for the advancement ofthe New York library community.

United for Libraries:The Association of Library Trustees,Advocates, Friends and Foundations, adivision of the American LibraryAssociation www.ala.org/united

Friends of Libraries Section Board Contact Information:Lisa Wemett, President, 315-986-3949 lisawemett@frontiernet.netSarah Sachs, Vice President, Conference Programmer, 315-265-7230ssachs@potsdamlibrary.orgTerry Mulee, 2nd V. P. (Membership), 585-328-6658 FLS.NYLA@yahoo.comBetsy Sywetz, Secretary, 315-858-4321 bsywetz@yahoo.comMarcia Elwitt, Treasurer, 585-271-5535 melwitt@rochester.rr.comRandall Enos, Past President, 845-243-3747, ext. 240 renos@rcls.orgMembers At Large:Vicki N. Kosovac, 518-567-6106 vn.kosovac@gmail.comElizabeth Olesh, 516-223-6228 x25 eolesh@baldwinpl.orgMarie Orlando, 518-784-2548 morland6@gmail.comLeslie Riley, 845-534-2431 leslieswriley@gmail.comSusan Swanton, 585-226-3734 sswanton1@frontier.comFrank Van Zanten, 845-473-1464 FVZColors@aol.comRistiina Wigg, 607-937-5040 ristiinawigg@gmail.comFLS Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award Coordinator:Joyce Laiosa, 518-439-7839 jrlaiosa@gmail.com

Call or write to us anytime. To visit the Friends of Libraries Section website, goto www.NYLA.org/friends