By Omar Jawdat, Blog Intern
A graphic that features and image of shelves at a library and the text: “Friends of Libraries Week! October 20 - 26, 2019”
Friends of Libraries groups have their own week dedicated to raising awareness around both community and campus libraries throughout the country. Through funding and celebration, National Friends of Libraries Week commemorates and recognizes the important services that libraries provide to children and students, such as reading programs, author events, special collections, and new technologies. United for Libraries will coordinate the 14th annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 20-26, 2019. This week will also provide a chance to promote Friends of Libraries groups in your community, as well as sign up for membership!
Libraries serve to bring communities together, integrating groups or individuals under the same roof, where people can access data through books, internet, and other resources. Social roles of libraries include active participation in reading, forming clubs, or read aloud programs. Libraries also help foster literacy programs and studies for students of all ages. It is also a place where meetings, conferences, or tutoring can take place.
Friends of Libraries Associations
‘Friend of Libraries’ are members from non-profit charitable groups that volunteer to support their local libraries. Friends of Libraries helps promote libraries in the community by fundraising, sponsoring programs/other special events, and serve as spokesmen to encourage and advocate for lifelong learning. Friends are also recognized by the library staff and Board of Trustees for their help and support in the libraries.
How Can I Participate In This Celebration Week?
If you are thinking of creating or reorganizing a Friends group, the United for Libraries association offers a variety of resources and ideas for all types of Friends groups. If you would like to volunteer, contact your local library and find out how you can join Friends. You can always start in your own community if your library does not have a Friends group. To access these sources and learn more information, visit: (www.ala.org/united/friends).
The American Library Association (ALA) provides resources to celebrate libraries, helping you get involved and speaking out on behalf of libraries, as well as keeping you informed and up to date on the issues and trends affecting libraries: www.ilovelibraries.org
Sources:
www.ala.org/united/events_conferences/folweek
www.ilovelibraries.org/article/national-friends-libraries-week-1
www.ala.org/tools/research/librariesmatter/category/social-role-library
www.lib.washington.edu/support/friends/friends-of-the-libraries/