Friends Groups

ABLE: Administering Better Libraries—Educate

Module 4

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to List ways in which Friends groups

support libraries. Brainstorm strategies for starting

and revitalizing Friends groups.

Overview

How Friends groups support libraries

How to start a Friends group Revitalizing Friends groups

Friends for Friends Groups

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA)

Empire Friends Roundtable of the New York Library Association

Friends Groups

Provide support for the library Act as a bridge from the library

to the community

Their mission is to support library activities and goals.

Friends Groups and the Library Director

Common understanding of library’s goals

Roles of the library administration and the Friends

Importance of communication Friends Groups & the Library Board

How do Friends Groups support libraries?

Fundraising Advocacy Sponsorship Services

Junior Friends

7 – 12th graders Ownership and opportunity for

teens

How to Start a Friends Group

It only takes a few committed people.

Establish a steering committee. Carry out a membership drive.

Once the group is up and running:

Long-range plan Create opportunities for

involvement Thank everyone all the time Review and re-evaluate

Nuts and bolts of getting members

Contributing Members Active Members

To maximize membership

Say why to join Benefits Lots of opportunities to join –

marketing Renewals

Dues structure Opportunities for involvement

Accomplishments, reasons to join

When conflict arises

Address conflict ASAP Working toward the same end Clarify roles Establish liaisons Contact Empire Friends

Revitalizing your Friends

Why do groups dissolve? Talk with core members Visit another group Reorganize the board Surveys Party!

Resources

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA)

Empire State Friends Roundtable ABLE Friends Resources

Thank you for coming

Evaluations