FRIENDS' DAY AT OLA - JANUARY 23, 1999

The OLA conference was an opportunity for all Friends to meet and mix with those working in the field of librarianship, whether it is was a Friend, Trustee, library manager, library staff member, educator or supplier. From the Friends' Booth in the exhibit hall to the sessions sponsored during Friends' Day on Saturday, we had a chance to promote the work of Friends of Canadian Libraries and network.

The following sessions were offered during the Friends' Day Jan. 23. Material presented during these sessions will be added as it becomes available (presenters can e-mail files to jvanhaaf@cyberbeach.net).

                     STARTING A FRIENDS’ GROUP
                     Terry Sarazen, Southern Ontario Library Service; representatives of Friends
                     Groups to be announced.

                 Here are the basic steps in getting a Library Friends’ Group started in your
                     community. The nature of Friends group activities; the relationship of the group
                     to the library board and the CEO; incorporation, constitution and by-laws; and
                     newsletter and brochure writing are among the many topics introduced in this
                     session.

                    RUNNING A FRIENDS’ BOOKSHOP
                    North York Friends of the Library and Judy McCabe, store manager.

                Book Ends is the successful bookstore run by the Friends of the North York
                    Public Library. Learn how to make this a great way to raise money for your
                    library and to keep Friends active. Find out how to organize a store; how to
                    train  and schedule staff; how to maintain a steady flow of saleable material in
                    inventory; and how to organize and price materials for maximum profit.

                    FRIENDLY PERSUASION
                    Don Mills, CEO, Mississauga Library System.

                Learn how to make politicians the Friends’ “best friend” and how make the
                    media part of your program. Share ideas that bring real results!

                    PROFITABLE BOOK SALES
                    Dennis Nolan and Barbara Dubrule, Oakville Friends of the Library.

                    Find out how to put a dynamic, ongoing organization in place to provide both
                    continuity and new ideas. Your book sale is a “must” event for both customers
                    and volunteers. Here are the key areas to concentrate on for success.

                    RAISING A MILLION DOLLARS: FUNDRAISING THE BARRIE WAY
                    Adele Kostiak, CEO, Barrie Public Library.

                 Barrie Public Library has mounted one of the most successful library capital
                    fundraising projects in the province. Hear from a leader of this campaign how
                    your library can also mobilize the community to generate big money. Learn the
                    planning process and some the key do’s and don’ts.

                    PLANNING AN AUTHORS’ EVENT
                    Pat Robertson, North York Friends; Jami Van Haaften, Sudbury Friends.

                 Bringing in authors is a sure way to get the community's attention for your
                    library. Discover how your group can promote reading and libraries by
                    partnering your library with authors, publishers, literacy and arts groups.

                    DO AS WE DO – FUNDRAISING AND FUN
                    Val Marshall, President, Friends of Canadian Libraries, Friends of Ajax Public
                    Library.

                 Val Marshall has learned that raising money for libraries is much easier and
                    more successful when both volunteers and donors are enjoying themselves.
                    Success depends on the positive meeting and networking of people in the
                    community. In fundraising activities, friends and sponsors share their ideas, share
                    their fun, and the library is the big winner!

Webmaster: Jami van Haaften  focal@accessola.com