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You might be wondering – what do I mean by “friends of the library?” Well, my recent travels around the country took me to many public libraries, and taught me two important things.
First, public libraries are hugely beneficial to their local communities, providing access to a wide variety of informational and educational services.
Second, in many communities, Friends of the Library groups play a crucial role in supporting libraries and librarians, helping to fill funding gaps, sponsoring enrichment programs, and providing volunteer support.
If you care about libraries, read on to find out what Friends of the Library groups do, why they matter, and how you can get involved. It’s a fun, easy, and meaningful way to show your local library some love!
A Brief History of Public Libraries in America and Why They Matter
Lending libraries have been part of the fabric of American life since colonial times. Back then, libraries were financed via subscription, with members paying for the ability to borrow books.
It wasn’t until 1833 that the first tax-supported American library was opened in Peterborough, New Hampshire, making it possible for every member of the public, regardless of their financial status, to have access to books.
The number and popularity of public libraries increased after the Civil War. Between 1883 and 1929, steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated money to build 2,509 public libraries, more than 1,600 of them in the United States. Many of the original Carnegie libraries are still in operation. Carnegie considered libraries, “universities of the people,” and said that, “a library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.”
Just as in Carnegie’s time, today’s public libraries continue to enrich lives and communities, providing free access to books, computers, special programming, and more.
But they can’t do it alone!
One way to help is to join your local Friends of the Library organization. These groups play a vital role in helping public libraries fulfill their mission.
What Friends Organizations Do to Support the Mission of Public Libraries
Friends of the Library groups are independent nonprofits that exist to support the mission of public libraries.
Activities of the Friends of the Library groups are as unique as the communities they serve. However, their focus usually falls within the following areas.
Fundraising
No matter the size of the community, library budgets are limited. Fundraising by Friends groups can help provide additional money for books, equipment, enrichment programming, and more.
Friends of the Library groups put on all kinds of different fundraising events –used book sales, galas, author luncheons, silent or live auctions, bake sales, fun runs, duck races, you name it! When it comes to fundraising, Friends groups can get really creative.
Helping with these fundraisers can be a lot of fun, and can make a huge difference for a local library and its patrons, providing money for all kinds of resources and programming.
Volunteer Support
Some libraries, especially those in smaller communities with limited numbers of paid staff, rely on Friends groups to provide volunteers for daily activities or special programming.
Volunteer opportunities and needs will vary depending on the library, but could involve everything from hospitality, decorations, and AV support for special events, to daily activities such as welcoming patrons, reading to children, or sorting donated books.
Special Programs and Enrichment
Many of the events on my tour schedule were hosted by public libraries, which brought me in to speak to their patrons. It’s always a lot of fun! For many of those attending, it might be the first time they’ve ever met a published author in person.
However, while the program is usually free for the library’s patrons, there are costs associated with putting on these kinds of special programs. And that’s where the Friends of the Library come in.
Friend groups often help raise funds and put in volunteer hours to help sponsor and support all kinds of special events, including author visits and other types of cultural and educational programming.
Awareness and Advocacy
Friends of the Library groups also help raise awareness about the importance of the library with the general public as well as government officials. This can be crucial to ensuring that the library receives the funding it needs to continue operating.
Community Liaisons and Librarian Love
Some librarians rely on members of their Friends group to serve as liaisons, providing input about the kinds of programming, equipment, and books that are needed or desired by the library community.
Most librarians consider their work a labor of love. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Some Friends groups make sure their local librarians feel the love by organizing appreciation events or writing notes of support.
Why Should You Become a Friend of the Library?
As you can see from the list above, Friends of the Library organizations make a big difference in their local libraries and the community as a whole.
But beyond that, there are plenty of reasons to consider becoming a Friend of the Library. And there’s never been a better – or more important – time to join.
Many Friends groups are aging. New volunteers needed!
As I said above, I did lots of events at libraries during my book tour. Nearly all of them were sponsored and/or supported by the local Friends of the Library.
Over and over again, the Friends told me that as their members age, their numbers are dwindling. If the Friends are to continue their important mission, they desperately need new members to fill their ranks.
Members of any age will be warmly welcomed to Friends groups. The main qualifications are energy, enthusiasm, and a little spare time.
However, younger members, particularly those who might have computer or other technical skills, are especially needed.
Meet new people and make new friends.
Making connections and friends can be difficult these days. But as I saw during my many recent library events, Friends of the library are usually friends with one another as well.
People who join the local library friends often go on to develop relationships that last through thick and thin, drawn together by their shared love of books, libraries, and the local community.
If you want to make friends, there’s no better way than to become a friend!
It’s something you can feel good about!
In a world rife with so many seemingly insurmountable problems, it can sometimes feel impossible to make any kind of positive impact.
But libraries bring lasting, tangible benefits to their local communities. Supporting their mission by joining the Friends of the Library is a good investment of your time and something you can feel good about.
You may not be able to save the world, but you can help make your corner of it a little better by helping your library make books, information, technology, education, and cultural enrichment available to every member of the community.
How Can You Join the Friends of the Library?
Joining the Friends of the Library is easy.
Start with an online search for “Friends of the Library” in your city, town, or county. Information about local chapters, meeting times, and membership opportunities may be available there.
You can also make a field trip to the nearest branch of your local library and ask one of the librarians about how you can join the Friends.
I’m sure they’ll be glad to tell you, and that your newfound “Friends” will welcome you with open arms!
