It’s National Friends of Libraries Week! Organized by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, this weeklong celebration recognizes all the incredible things that Friends groups do for their local libraries.
What exactly are Friends groups? Great question.
Friends of Libraries are non-profit, charitable volunteer groups that support libraries of all types. Since the beginning of the American library movement, Friends groups have been formed by citizens using their collective powers to do ensure that the American library legacy remains viable. Friends do it all, from bake sales and fundraising efforts to voicing support for the library at town hall and city council meetings and just by spreading the word about the great services and value that the library brings to the community. There’s a Friends group for everyone, from teens, to academics, to media centers.
Friends groups allow citizens to advocate for their libraries and give back to places that have transformed their lives.
Wendy Taylor, president of the Friends of Jefferson (Iowa) Public Library, shared with Raccoon Valley Radio that she wanted to be a part of her local Friends group because libraries were a safe place for her growing up where she developed her love of reading.
“I’ve carried that with me my whole life and I know as I’ve gotten older [I’ve seen] how underfunded and under supported and underseen that libraries can be and the services they provide,” she said. “As other things have shut down in communities, the need for computer access, the need for a place to do an online interview, to get those resources when we need them shrank significantly, and libraries filled that void. It’s important to support them.”
Are you interested in becoming a library Friend? By contributing as a library Friend, you can make a lasting difference for your library and community.
Does your local library have a Friends group? Talk to your local librarian to find out if it does and learn what kinds of efforts the Friends group takes on. If your library doesn’t have a Friends group, don’t worry. You can start your own.
Learn more about all the exciting things that Friends groups do and can do or simply contact United for Libraries at united@ala.org for tips on how to get involved.
How you can support the American Library Assocation
With library funding being gutted and censorship on the rise, supporting libraries is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help, we urge you to become a Supporter of the American Library Association by donating.
At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
Become a Supporter
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