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Friends Groups

NYLA Friends of Libraries Section Webinar
Wednesday, September 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Reaching across generations to recruit younger volunteers to participate in the work of Friends organizations is challenging.  However, it is doable and vital to the continued success of volunteer support groups for libraries.  Millennials are eager to join in and give their time and energy to causes for which they are passionate.  Come discuss ways Friends can coordinate, collaborate, and promote opportunities for young adults that are both social and want to make a difference in their community.  Get suggestions on how to target and make connections with these potential volunteers who are motivated to make their community a better place by using their skills and expertise to meet the needs of 21st century library patrons.
Presenters:  Tess Wilson, Community Engagement Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine - Middle Atlantic Region, and Madeline Jarvis, Adult and Information Services Manager at the Marion (Iowa) Public Library.  As part of the American Library Association's Emerging Leaders cohort of 2018, both Tess and Madeline were recognized as new leaders in librarianship.  With two other young professionals, Tess and Madeline worked on a project sponsored by United for Libraries entitled “Beyond Using the Library: Engaging Millennials as Advocates and Civic Library Leaders.”  The team authored the book, All Ages Welcome: Recruiting and Retaining Younger Generations for Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations, a toolkit for libraries on engaging Millennials. (ALA Editions, 2020).
Register:  NYLA website.  This webinar is free for FLS members to attend (some restrictions apply).

Friends Resources

Best Practices for Management of Friends Boards
Regardless of the size of a Friends group, if the organization has achieved 501(c)(3) status, there are specific accountabilities the Friends officers must meet to keep the organization legally viable.  In this review of nonprofit boards’ legal and fiduciary duties, an attorney from the Pro Bono Partnership will explain ways to provide the best oversight possible for the organization, keeping Friends groups functioning effectively and using their charitable resources appropriately in support of their library.
Original Date: 3/20/18
To view the full NYLA Webinarary, click here.

RCLS Member Library Friends Groups