Between 18th - 24th October is National Friends of Libraries Week. These non-profit volunteer run groups support their local library in their community in various ways. It can be financial, political, or cultural, or a mixture of all three. Their main focus is to raise resources for the library, such as money for new books, equipment, etc. to organize book sales for funding, support library programs, and champion and advocate for the library when its funding, or services are threatened and to recruit volunteers. The other important part of a 'friends' organization is to encourage and build the reading community to utilize their local library.

My local library has a very engaged Friends group, who are instrumental in funding through book sales, hosting events, volunteering, funding projects, and advocacy. They have raised $600,000 in support of the library since 1993. This is a remarkable achievement, and they continue to work tirelessly to bring an exceptional library experience and community hub to the residents of the County.

Are you involved with your local 'friends' of the library?

Do you know your library friends group?