Friends We Need

You may have seen members of your local Friends of the Library group without even realizing it. Perhaps you’ve purchased books at one of their sales, not knowing that the volunteers were part of a group dedicated to supporting your library. But what exactly is this group?

Friends of the Library organizations are nonprofit groups that champion libraries within their communities. Run by volunteers, these groups exist in the US, Australia, France, South Africa, and the UK.

It’s important to understand that Friends of the Library groups are independent of the library’s administration. Often, they step in to fill gaps—whether in funding, support, or community awareness.

The National Friends of Libraries promotes and supports groups across the country that work to advance local libraries. As a volunteer organization, these groups raise funds for library needs, providing resources that leave a lasting and positive impact on libraries and the communities they serve.

In fact, some libraries were established through the efforts of Friends groups. Friends groups support not only local libraries but also contribute to the growth of academic and scientific libraries. Since 2005, the American Library Association (ALA) has celebrated National Friends of Libraries Week to recognize the dedication of Friends groups nationwide.

The Friends of Wedsworth Memorial Library have raised funds that transformed our library from good to great. Their support has enabled us to add new programming, essential equipment, support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year. They continue to sponsor our annual book sale and promote the library, making a real difference in our small community.

Our library is a cornerstone of the community, providing lifelong learning opportunities and connecting us to ideas from the past and present. The Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries, and they advocate tirelessly to ensure that we have the resources to serve patrons of all ages, including access to print and digital materials, research assistance, readers’ advisory, and children’s services.

A Friends group provides a unique way to build lasting and meaningful connections within the community.

Although the exact origins of Friends of the Library groups are unverified, public libraries and their supporters were inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy. The first group to use the name “Friends of the Library” was established in France in 1913.

The number of public libraries in the United States grew from 637 in 1898 to 3,500 by 1919, the year of Carnegie’s final grant. His philanthropy spurred community fundraising and library development across the nation. As Sally Gardner Reed, Director of Friends of the Library USA (FOLUSA), put it, “The citizens who changed laws, persuaded city and town leaders to fund operations, and raised money were—in spirit if not always in name—quintessential Friends of libraries.”

The first Friends of the Library group in the United States was founded in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to help buy books for the local library. Soon after, another was founded in Syracuse, New York. Many prestigious universities, including Princeton and Harvard, also developed Friends groups, some of which still operate today.

In 1929, the ALA formed a committee to mobilize and support Friends groups. By 1979, FOLUSA, affiliated with the ALA, was founded to guide over 2,000 groups nationwide.

During the Great Depression, Friends of the Library organizations were vital in keeping libraries open, proving their value to the survival and success of libraries across the country.

The commitment and time that Friends volunteers contribute set an example for all of us, demonstrating how volunteerism strengthens civic engagement and benefits the entire community. Libraries need more advocates, especially as budgets are tightened or libraries face possible closure.

At Wedsworth Memorial Library, our Friends group has provided passionate advocates who promote public awareness and help support library services in our community.

We encourage everyone to join the Friends of the Library and to thank them for making our library and community better. Our library would be far poorer without their efforts. The funds they raise are, in many ways, the icing on the cake—most patrons would be surprised to know just how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends. So thank a Friend. Ours have worked hard to improve our community.