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
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