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 Login: 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<http://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<mailto:camden@monroe.lib.mi.us> 517-368-5554