The Library Friends, Foundations, and Trusts Handbook

The Library Friends and Foundations Handbook is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in starting or enhancing support group partnerships with libraries. It provides background information on the history and importance of such groups, describes the various types of groups and their organizational structures, offers practical advice on marketing and recruitment, and offers a wide range of fundraising and donation ideas. The book also includes a bibliography, webliography, and appendix with sample documents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

It explains how groups can effectively market their membership options and purposes to their communities. It gives practical advice on recruiting volunteers of all ages and providing training for them to beneficially aid their libraries both financially and with hands-on assistance. It describes ways library support groups can advocate for their libraries. It presents a wide variety of fundraising and donation ideas,procedures,and examples that readers can emulate,reflecting current trends such as online book sales,grab bag book sales,gala events,and securing grants along with equitable methods of monetary distribution. It offers a selected bibliography,a webliography,and an appendix with sample documents.
The Library Friends and Foundations Handbook is a comprehensive resource for individuals involved in or interested in forming support groups for libraries. It provides a wealth of information on the history, organization, and impact of these groups, as well as practical advice on marketing, recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and advocacy.

The book begins by tracing the history of library support groups, highlighting their role in the development and growth of libraries. It then explores the various types of Friends and Foundation groups, including their structures, membership requirements, and fundraising strategies. The authors emphasize the importance of these groups in providing financial support, volunteer labor, and advocacy for libraries.

One of the key strengths of the Handbook is its practical advice on marketing and recruitment. The authors provide tips on how to create effective marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and social media campaigns, and how to reach out to potential members. They also offer guidance on recruiting volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including training programs and volunteer recognition programs.

Fundraising is another critical aspect of library support groups. The Handbook provides a wide range of fundraising ideas, including online book sales, grab bag book sales, gala events, and securing grants. It also discusses equitable methods of monetary distribution, such as using a percentage of funds to support specific programs or services.

Advocacy is another important role of library support groups. The authors provide guidance on how to effectively advocate for libraries, including writing letters to elected officials, attending public meetings, and participating in community events. They also offer tips on how to work with local media outlets to promote library programs and services.

In addition to its practical advice, the Handbook also includes a selected bibliography, a webliography, and an appendix with sample documents. These resources provide additional information on fundraising, advocacy, and other topics related to library support groups.

One of the challenges facing library support groups is the changing landscape of library funding. With budget cuts and increased competition for funding, it can be difficult for these groups to maintain their operations and provide the level of support that libraries need. The Handbook provides strategies for addressing these challenges, including developing partnerships with other organizations, seeking grants from private foundations, and increasing public awareness of the value of libraries.

Another challenge facing library support groups is the need to adapt to changing technology. With the rise of e-books, digital resources, and online services, libraries are facing new challenges in terms of funding, staffing, and user engagement. The Handbook provides guidance on how to use technology to enhance library services and engage with users, including developing online resources, providing digital literacy training, and offering virtual programming.

Despite these challenges, library support groups continue to play a vital role in the success of libraries. They provide financial support, volunteer labor, and advocacy for libraries, and help to ensure that libraries remain accessible and relevant to the communities they serve.

In conclusion, the Library Friends and Foundations Handbook is a must-have resource for anyone involved in or interested in forming support groups for libraries. It provides a wealth of information on the history, organization, and impact of these groups, as well as practical advice on marketing, recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and advocacy. By using the strategies outlined in the Handbook, library support groups can help to ensure that libraries remain accessible and relevant to the communities they serve for generations to come.

Weight: 898g
Dimension: 280 x 215 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538179260