WebJunction

Make New Friends
November 26, 2007

Like the friends in our personal lives, the loyalty and generosity that characterize the Friends of the Library bolster our libraries and make them better. WebJunction's Friends and Trustees has some great resources, including the Friends of the Library Brainstorm, which gives ideas on recruiting, such as:

• Provide online membership applications.
• Partner with a local bookstore to get a discount coupon at the bookstore for joining.
• Provide library book bags to those who join at a certain $ level.

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) is a membership organization whose mission is to motivate and support local Friends groups nation-wide. Check out the following resources from FOLUSA:

• FOLUSA Fact Sheet - These 24 facts sheets are rich with information, from organizing a wide variety of Friends groups to lobbying tips for Friends.
• Tips for Online Book Sales - An innovative spin on a venerated Friends tradition.
• Good Ideas from the Network - Tap into the FOLUSA network and get inspired.
• Organizational Tools - No need to reinvent the wheel! These examples of "mission statements, policies, and bylaws" can get you started on your own or help you with revisions.

WebJunction is holding some discussions related to the work of Friends and Trustees in libraries. In particular, this thread mentions the press release about the recent partnering of FOLUSA and ALTA (Association of Library Trustees and Advocates).

If you have a story to share about the Friends of your library, please share it with us! Just email content@webjunction.org.

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• The Board of Trustees
• Shine the Spotlight
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