Highlights from our new manual

Our manual comes complete with sample forms, brochures, recommended reading, and links to helpful resources from the Internet. It is full of helpful advice from FOCAL's former President Jami van Haaften, and our current Vice President Dorothy Macnaughton, both experienced in the development of their  local Friends groups, and keen observers of what has been happening in Canada over the past decade or more.

Free updates for a year -

This is a dynamic document, meaning we will update content based on feedback from our members and readers, and as new information becomes available. Updated chapters will be sent electronically to those who have purchased copies during the year, in order to ensure you have the current content in your binder. The purchase price includes 12 months of free electronic updates.

Who is this manual for?

Everyone involved in forming such a group, including library staff and administrators, Library Board Trustees, library patrons, volunteers, and other interested people in your community, will find valuable information and resources to help develop a Friends of the Library group. 

Friends support their library -

          Why does your Library need a Friends Group? Your library needs a Friends group because Friends can:

Advocate

Increase Public Awareness of the Library

Volunteer Their Time, Energy and Expertise

Partner with Other Community Groups

Raise Funds

Sponsor Programming/Events 

Assist During Special Events 

Help Out  with Specific Library Services

Forming your Friends Group -

You will need a reliable core group of people who have the time to spend planning and organizing the necessary details to help your Friends group succeed.  At the initial meeting, ask for volunteers willing to serve on your Steering Committee.  Those present should agree by consensus who will be taking on this responsibility. 

Your Steering Committee

Who to Invite

Advertising/Promotion

Planning Timelines

Your First Organizing Meeting

Sample agenda

Following the Meeting

Organizing Your Board

Strategic planning

The Role of Executive Committee Members

Committees

Timeline for Your Regular Friends Meetings

Agenda

Legal Entities

There are a number of federal and provincial governmental agencies which relate to charitable or non-profit agencies. As you move through the process of forming your group, you will want to consider your options in choosing to register for charitable status, become incorporated, register the name of your association, apply for a lottery license, and/or find out if you have insurance coverage.

Volunteers  
 

How will Your Friends’ Group Coordinate Volunteers?

How will Your Friends’ Group Recruit and Retain Volunteers?

How Can Job Descriptions Help?