Friends of the Library

Volunteering reached new heights when the first Friends of the Library group was formed. Today, most libraries – public as well as school and academic – rely on their Friends for help with everything from mailing newsletters to funding additions. Here are some sites to help Friends do what they do best – serve libraries.

Friends of the Library USA (FOLUSA)

FOLUSA provides programs and publications to 2,800 member groups reaching hundreds of thousands of Americans, teaching citizens nationwide how to develop local library Friends to raise funds, be advocates and promote libraries. FOLUSA provides programs such as workshops, lectures, author events, and exhibit booths; and publications including a bi-monthly newsletter, 20 Fact Sheets, three videos, pamphlets on advocacy, general activities, and the Friends of Libraries Sourcebook.

Entrepreneurial Libraries

This site highlights a variety of enterprises that libraries and their Friends can undertake to serve patrons better and to generate additional revenue. Included here are used bookshops, library stores, espresso bars, after hours space rental and more.

Impact Online Volunteer Match

Impact Online (IOL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing volunteerism through the Internet. IOL offers VolunteerMatch, a matching service for volunteers and nonprofits; Virtual Volunteering, a research project on volunteer activities which can be completed over the Internet; and information and resources on volunteerism. VolunteerMatch matches thousands of volunteers with nonprofits.

Book Sales in America

Everything you want to know about book sales and bookstores run by libraries and other non-profit groups across the nation. In addition to a state-by-state listing of book sales across the country, there is valuable information on how to run a sale, where to get the books, what to charge, and more.