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 – 12 th 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