National Friends of Libraries Week

The week offers a two-fold opportunity, both to promote Friends organizations to the community and to encourage volunteers and supporters to become members. NFOLW is also an excellent time for the library's Board of Trustees to recognize the Friends volunteers as library civic leaders and draw attention to their important work.

Start planning early in the year to create some special NFOLW activities. This annual celebration is a perfect opportunity to plan a signature event, hold a membership drive, or present a special gift to your library from the Friends. Your group might consider having an inexpensive banner made at your local office supply store, reading National Friends of Libraries Week, that could be hung in the library or a prominent spot in your community. Leave the dates off so you can use it year after year.

How about a Staff Appreciation Supper, a book sale, a musical performance, or a special lecture? You may want to seek sponsorship for a resolution from legislators in your local municipality, be it County, Town, or Village, for recognition of the ongoing support Friends provide to your library. For more inspiration check the United for Libraries website at http://www.ala.org/united/events_conferences/folweek. It will open in a new tab. This link also provides the upcoming dates of the celebration. In 2022, NFOLW is October 16 through 22. 

Do not let the week go by without drawing attention to the important activities your volunteers undertake in support of the community's library! Garner some publicity by sending press releases and letters to the editor of your local newspapers about your organization's good works. During 2022, which is the 30th anniversary year for FLS, we would like you to help recognize FLS as well. Click here for a press release that you can customize with information on your group while highlighting the work of FLS/NYLA. Be sure to tell FLS your special plans for NFOLW by sending a message to FLS.NYLA@yahoo.com. Photographs (with captions) are always welcome for our quarterly newsletter, Friends News and Notes. Thank you and have a great celebration!