Enhancing Library Resources: The Role of Friends of the Library

Libraries sit at the heart of our communities, offering access to a wide variety of books, knowledge, and resources for all. Much of that vitality comes from their loyal partnerships with organizations like the Friends of the Library. One of the primary ways, these groups support libraries is by expanding collections, funding the curation of books, media, and educational materials that reflect the interests and needs of the county. In this blog, we will explore how Friends of the library are the foundation that keep our libraries in shape. 

Fundraising for New Collections

Many libraries operate on tight budgets, and often, they rely on Friends of the Library to provide additional funds to purchase new materials. By holding book sales, donation drives, and special events, the Friends raise the necessary funds needed to bring fresh and current titles into the library. An expanded budget can then accommodate the latest bestsellers and nonfiction titles to more specialized genres and scholarly works. Without the fundraising efforts of these groups, many libraries would struggle to keep high demand books or niche interests. Similarly , if a library wants to expand its offerings in a certain language, Friends groups can raise money specifically for these acquisitions, ensuring that every patron finds something for them in the stacks. 

Filling Gaps in Specialized Collections

In addition to general collection expansion, Friends of the Library groups often work with librarians to identify gaps in the library’s offerings and fund the purchases to fill them. This can include specialized collections, such as books in foreign languages, local history, graphic novels, or rare archival materials that would otherwise be solely available via private institutions. 

Building Up Local Author Collections

Supporting local authors is another area of focus for many Friends of the Library organizations, which assist libraries in creating designated collections. These collections feature books by writers from the surrounding area, showcasing regional talent and connecting the community with its literary voices. Friends of the Library have also been known to host local author events. With the money raised, they can buy more copies of those authors' books. This provides many with the opportunity to explore new voices or even discover stories that speak to their own identities. 

Supporting "Library of Things" Collections

Friends of the Library groups are also helpful in procuring non-book items, like technology kits, gardening equipment, musical instruments, tools, and board games, that can be extensive or hard to find. These items are often found throughout the library or in a special catalog called "The Library of Things." By providing funding for these collections, Friends groups help libraries enhance their role as limitless resource fountains. 

Friends of the Library organizations are instrumental in expanding library collections, ensuring that libraries can provide a broad variety of books, digital content, and even non-traditional resources like instruments and kits. Thanks to their efforts, libraries can continue to be the vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic purveyors of information that you know and love.