Friends Networking Meeting Follow-up

22 Friends, directors and library staff representing 9 libraries in the SALS service area met at the Clifton-Park Halfmoon library on October 22nd, 2008.  As a result of the meeting, a list of ideas was generated based on four topics: Why start a Friends group, Advocacy, Fundraising, Programs & Activities. 

Why start a Friends group?

Focus

  • Board of Trustees must be supportive
  • Friends are a voice to get out the vote – they can say “Vote yes” where the library can only say “Please vote”
  • Advocacy
  • Fundraising
  • Outreach to the community (eg. Homebound, Senior centers, community groups)
  • Programming

Recruiting

  • Know the demographics of your community and have the Friends reflect it
    • People skills, talents
  • Refreshments
  • Membership drives
  • Tables with activities
  • Community users/leaders
  • Have a membership sign up table at library events

Other:

  • What can you celebrate?
  • Other community spaces when library space is tight
  • Mentoring new people to take leadership roles
  • Staff liaison to keep communication between the Board, Library staff and Friends.
  • Know the roles of each group (triangle analogy)
  • Board sets policy, Staff runs library, Friends support library
  • Have a Friends group member attend all Trustee meetings
  • Can carry insurance for volunteers
  • 501(c)3
  • Let the community know (publicity)
  • Invite community to join steering committees
  • Offer scholarships/awards
  • Friends perks: Name in book, early admission to book sales

Fundraising

  • Book sale (held during budget vote)
  • Trips (day/overseas) -Colette tours
  • Local history tour bus (Bolton)
  • Coin drop
  • Readings (open poetry, open readings)
  • Author discussions
  • Raffles
  • Craft sale
  • Rummage sale

Advocacy

  • Grassroots campaign – to get a Yes vote
  • Work with Boards
  • Mass mailings to new patrons – provide information about library and vote
  • Library ambassadors – tours of the building
  • Speak to community groups (ex. Lions)
  • Library as destination
  • Need to look at community demographics
  • Sponsor teams (baseball, soccer, etc.)
  • Blood drives
  • Pay for ads in papers

Programs & Activities

  • New baby program
  • Preschooler/Kindergarten round up
  • Author talks
  • Outreach – homebound book delivery
  • Scrabble tournament for Literacy Volunteers
  • Museum passes
  • Community scholarships for High School seniors
  • Open house

Survey results:

How often would you like to meet each year?

Once Twice Quarterly Other
4 5 3

Would your Friends Group host the next meeting?

Yes No Maybe
3 Due to space 3

What other topics would you like to learn about?

  • Fundraising
  • Endowment
  • Grants/grant writing
  • Tax liability for book sales profits
  • Continue with activities
  • Specific programs
  • Estate planning
  • How to spend money
  • Membership perks
  • 501 (c) 3

Did you like the format?  If not what do you suggest?

  • Yes, good meeting
  • Yes, it was excellent. Nice format. Written summary super!
  • Yes, I had a great time and learned a lot
  • It was great to listen to our table mates, but I would have liked to hear what other groups were talking about
  • Friendly and helpful table monitors. More time for group sharing at tables.
  • Yes, liked table moves.
  • Yes, the discussion format was very helpful
  • The format of the meeting was very nice, casual but informative. A little more time per topic would have been nice.