Dear Library Friends, As we come to the end of another very busy year and you take stock of your many accomplishments, please don't forget to apply for FOML's *Outstanding Michigan Friends of the Library Award*. Did your Friends of the Library group carry out an outstanding project or a number of successful activities in your community during 2015 that had a significant impact on your library’s services to the community? The award will be given to a Michigan Friends group for a specific project carried out in 2015 or based on the full scope of the group’s activities during 2015. Applications will be judged by the FOML Membership & Marketing Committee on the following criteria: 1. *Planning:* Involvement of the Friends, library, and community in the use of resources, an innovative and appropriate activity, and measurable outcomes (e.g., attendance at event, increase in patron use of the library, etc.). 2. *Implementation:* Public relations, broad membership involvement, and use of resources. 3. *Evaluation:* Assessment of activity or program with measurable results. 4. *Innovation:* New idea(s) for program or activity, creative involvement of community and specific citizens, and creative use of public relations. 5. *Community Involvement*: Evidence of community involvement in planning and implementation. The winning Friends group will receive $400 and a plaque, along with an invitation to attend the FOML Annual Membership Meeting in 2016 to receive the award. To be eligible for this award, your Friends group must be a 2015 FOML member (membership information can be found at www.foml.org) and completed the project or activities during the 2015 calendar year. *Deadline: Applications for this award must be received by January 15, 2016.* You can find the application on the FOML website – *http://foml.org/foml-merit-award/ <http://foml.org/foml-merit-award/>* – and click on “Download application form here. <http://foml.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/2015_OutstandingMerit_Friends_Application_Form.pdf> ” Your Friends group could be a winner! Paul Snyder, President Friends of Michigan Libraries (FOML) www.foml.org -- Linda Pierce Administrative Specialist Kettering Library Phone: (810) 762-9840 Fax: (810) 762-9744 1700 University Avenue ~ Flint, MI 48504 Kettering University