Friends of libraries

"Friends of the Library" groups are volunteer associations that support a library with fundraising, advocacy, book sales and events. LibDex listed Friends groups for many years; this page explains what they are and how to find or start one.

What a Friends group does

• Raises money through book sales, memberships and donations, for things the library's budget does not cover: furniture, programmes, equipment, special collections.
• Speaks up for the library with councils, trustees and funders, especially when budgets or branches are under threat.
• Runs events such as author talks, reading groups and children's activities.
• Volunteers for tasks the library chooses, without replacing paid staff.

Finding a Friends group

Most groups are listed on their library's website; look for "Friends", "Support us" or "Get involved". National umbrella bodies also keep directories:

• United for Libraries (American Library Association) for the United States.
• Friends of Canadian Libraries for Canada.
• The Library Campaign for Friends and user groups in the United Kingdom.
• Friends of Libraries Australia for Australia.

Starting one

1. Talk to the library director first. A Friends group works alongside the library, under an agreement that sets out what the group will and will not do.
2. Gather a small founding committee and agree a simple constitution: purpose, membership, officers, how money is handled.
3. Register as a charity or non-profit if local law allows; it makes donations and book sales easier.
4. Start with one visible project, such as a book sale or a reading-group series, and tell the local press.