National Friends of Libraries Week promotes groups who support libraries across the country. The observance provides the opportunity for groups to increase awareness about membership opportunities, their goals, projects and more.
Library friends’ groups help support local libraries in a variety of ways. As a volunteer organization, their programs raise money for library needs. The week celebrates the contributions of friends’ groups across the nation. Their dedication to their local libraries leaves a lasting and positive impact on their libraries and their communities. In fact, some libraries were established through the efforts of friends’ groups. Not only do friends groups support local libraries, but they also contribute to growing academic and scientific libraries. Since 2005, the American Library Association has promoted National Friends of Library Week to recognize the dedication of friends’ groups across the nation.
The Friends of Wedsworth Memorial Library has raised money that enabled our library to move from good to great — providing the resources for our wonderful addition, additional programming, much needed equipment, support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year, especially our annual book sale. Why did the ghost keep coming back to the library? She went through her books too quickly.
The work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis, the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present. The Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services.
The Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community. Where does the library keep books about Big Foot? The large-print section.
Wedsworth Memorial Library urges everyone to join the Friends of the Library and thank them for all they do to make our library and community so much better.
Our library would be much poorer without the Friends. The funds they have raised definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most patrons would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends. Why did Dracula go to the library? He wanted to sink his teeth into a good book.
National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united. So thank a Friend. Ours have worked hard to better our community.
Where was the librarian when the lights went out? In the dark!