From Book Sales to Big Impact: What Friends Groups Do for Libraries

When people think about public libraries, an image of librarians hard at work shelving books usually comes to mind. While librarians are undoubtedly essential, in reality, libraries often don’t thrive on staff alone. They rely on a combination of financial support, volunteerism, and political advocacy. Among these supporters are Friends of Libraries, volunteer-run organizations that help public libraries nationwide.

October 19–25 is National Friends of Libraries Week. Here’s what these groups do—and how you can get involved.

What Are Friends of Libraries?

Also known as Friends of the Library, these nonprofit organizations aim to support and uplift public libraries across the US. Certain groups have varying goals, whether it be financial, advocacy, or volunteer support. Friends of Libraries are rarely affiliated with a specific facility and are typically entirely run by volunteers.

The American Library Association (ALA) commonly partners with Friends of Libraries groups. These organizations work closely with local libraries to assist with fundraising and adapt to the community's needs to improve services. Friends groups are formed at the local, regional, and national levels.

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What Is National Friends of Libraries Week?

Held annually from October 19–25, the ALA’s United for Libraries network recognizes National Friends of Libraries Week. The 2025 celebration marks its twentieth anniversary. The week encourages communities to support their local libraries and gives libraries a chance to acknowledge the efforts of their Friends.

Community members can get involved by organizing their own group or signing up to participate in an existing group. During the week, the ALA provides several resources for both community members and current Friends of Libraries participants. These include editable marketing materials, events, and merchandise, with proceeds directly benefiting libraries.

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How Do Friends of Libraries Make a Difference?

1. Financial Support

Many Friends groups are established solely to help raise funds for their local libraries. One of the most common fundraisers patrons typically see in action is the book sale. Friends groups accumulate donated books to sell, and the proceeds are directly allocated toward library equipment, furniture, and additional materials. Other fundraising methods include library shops and membership drives.

1. Advocacy

Friends groups are also essential community advocates for libraries. If not involved with financial support, they might work on behalf of libraries to strengthen voter support. Since Friends members are usually private citizens, their voices are less restricted in political activism. Advocacy efforts may include attending legislative meetings, setting up advocacy campaigns, or establishing mailing lists and sending newsletters to elected officials.

1. Volunteer Support

Friends members often work directly with their local libraries to find out where they need the most support. For some facilities, this can come in the form of volunteers and support staff, with members frequently assisting with shelving books, staffing events, or serving on boards. Friends of Libraries may even take on the entire responsibility of the board, relieving librarians from financial decisions so they can focus on their primary duties.

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How to Start a Friends of Libraries Group

Although it can take time, starting a Friends group can be extremely rewarding and is a great way to celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week! According to the ALA, the best approach to organizing a Friends group is to take one step at a time and do it proficiently rather than rushing and backtracking later.

To get started, members need to lay down the most essential foundations. These include forming an executive board, developing a formal operating agreement, establishing a mission, and creating bylaws. The checklist of starting duties appears daunting, but taken slowly and one at a time, organizing a Friends group is absolutely achievable.

Friends of Libraries groups do amazing things for their local public libraries. Check out United for Libraries Resources for Friends Groups to organize your own group to uplift your neighborhood library, or speak with your librarian about how else to get involved.

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

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