Hello Holly:
There are a couple of resources I can suggest:
United for Libraries, Friends Zone
(you will need the Michigan Statewide Membership username and password in order to access this):
Libraries Need Friends: A Toolkit to Create Friends Groups or to Revitalize the One You Have
Friends Fact Sheets (many of these will be useful in starting a Friends’ Group- but you will have
to login with the Michigan Statewide Membership username and password in order to access all of them):
These Fact Sheets include:
Friends Fact Sheet #1 : How to Organize a Friends Group
Toolkits (Including the one listed above)
Friends and Libraries: Working Effectively
Together (you will need to be logged in using the Michigan Statewide Membership username and password)
Organizational Tools for Friends Groups –
includes sample operating agreements, explanation of roles and fundraising information
Book:
Reed, Sally Gardiner, The Good, The Great and the Unfriendly: A Librarian’s Guide to Working with Friends Groups
( Available for purchase from United For Libraries)
AND
Available via MeL from the Library of Michigan
(NOTE – The Michigan Statewide Membership Username and Password can be obtained from
membielac@michigan.gov, your coop Director, or by calling LM at 517-335-1516)
FOML – Friends of Michigan Libraries
FOML FAQs – Information on a range of topics pertinent to starting and running a Michigan Friends Group
Workshops – FOML is a wonderful resource encompassing Library Friends Group members and officers from around the State.
FOML meetings and workshops are a wonderful way to learn about Friends groups, avoid pitfalls and get great ideas specific to Michigan.
WebJunction (Webjunction provides online resources
and training on a variety of topics of interest to library staff, trustees and friends)
FOLUSA Fact Sheet: How to Start a Friends Group
Friends, Trustees & Volunteers Topic: Documents list
Additional Friends resources via WebJunction
I hope this is helpful! Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any additional information or assistance!
Sincerely,
Clare
Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library Law Consultant
Library of Michigan
517-335-8132
The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with
respect to any particular issue or problem.
Free Family Resources for Navigating the World of Special Education.
email:info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org, visit www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org, or
call us at 1-800-552-4821.
From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org>
On Behalf Of Holly Hentz via Michlib-l
Sent: Friday, August 2, 2019 3:24 PM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Starting a Friends group
Everyone,
We have never had an official Friends of the Library group here and it’s about time we start. I’m hoping to get a group up and running in 2020. I would appreciate any insight you have in starting a successful group (best practices, what
to look out for, etc.). Any help, insight, advice you may have is much appreciated!
Many thanks,
Holly Hentz
Director
Hamburg Township Library
10411 Merrill Rd. P.O. Box 247
Hamburg, MI 48139
810.231.1771
Hamburglibrary.org