Dear Library Friends, As we begin the new year and you take stock of your many accomplishments from last year, please don't forget to apply for FOML's *Outstanding Michigan Friends of the Library Merit Award*. Did your Friends of the Library group carry out an outstanding project or a number of successful activities in your community during 2017 that had a significant impact on your library’s services to the community? Tell us about it! It could be for a specific project you carried out in 2017 or based on the full scope of the group’s activities during 2017. The award will be given to two different Michigan Friends groups: one award will go to a library that serves a population of under 12,000 people and one to a library that serves a population of 12,000 or more. Applications will be judged by the FOML Grants 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 for 2 of your members to attend the FOML Annual Membership Meeting/Workshop in 2018 to receive the award. To be eligible for this award, your Friends group must have been a 2017 FOML member and completed the project or activities during the 2017 calendar year. *Deadline: Applications for this award must be postmarked or emailed by January 15, 2018.* You will 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/2017/11/2017_Outstanding_Friends_Merit_Award_Application_Form.pdf> .” Your Friends group could be a winner! Allison Arnold, President Friends of Michigan Libraries (FOML) www.foml.org You are receiving this message because either you are a member of the Michigan Library listserv (MichLib-l), the FOML listserv (foml @inform.palnet.info) or your contact information has been given to FOML during your Friends group membership renewal. If you believe you have received this message in error, please send an email to Janet Newall: janet[at]foml .org. Thank you. -- Linda Pierce Administrative Specialist Kettering Library Phone: (810) 762-9840 Fax: (810) 762-9744 1700 University Avenue ~ Flint, MI 48504 Kettering University