Hi Laura. You can connect your Friends with other groups across the country by introducing them to our statewide membership in United for Libraries.

You can access the member area of the site here: http://www.ala.org/united/michigan

Password: greatlake1837

On the left-hand side of the site you can find navigation links. Use the link for “Friends” to find a host of member only information, including the Friends Electronic Discussion Group and Organizational Tools.

You can find the “Libraries Need Friends” Starting a Friends Group of Revitalizing the One You Have” in this area. It is a PDF handbook with lots of helpful information about the questions you ask below, including information on the 501c3 status.

You can also find samples of bylaws under section “Friends Groups”, then “Organizational Tools” choose the link for “Bylaws”.

I hope this helps and please share this information with all your Friends groups. The Library of Michigan is providing access to public library staff, trustees and friends through this statewide membership.

Shannon

Shannon White
Director of Statewide Library Services
Library of Michigan

702 W. Kalamazoo

Lansing, MI 48909

www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

517.373.9489

Whites29@michigan.gov

From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Laura Orlowski
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 4:09 PM
To: MICHLIB-L Listserv <michlib-l@mail2.mcls.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Friends of Library Groups

Hi all;

I am working with some local library supporters to begin a Friends Group for my library. If you have an established Friends group, I would love to hear from you (or forward this to your Friends):

1. We are looking for samples of by-laws for Friends Group.

2. If your Friends group offers levels of membership, what are the levels & what are the dues per levels?

3. Does your Friends group have a 501c3 number separate from your library's?

Thank you for your help!

-Laura Orlowski, Director

Camden Twp. Library

camden@monroe.lib.mi.us
517-368-5554