Fact Sheet #2
Establishing a Friends' Group
- Talk to friends about the advantages of co-operation between library staff and users of the library, to promote and protect the library resources in your community.
- Arrange a meeting with library administrators, to identify mutual aims, and to establish a working (and workable) relationship.
- Prepare a draft constitution, statement of aims and objectives, and procedural guidelines.
- Arrange an inaugural meeting at which the constitution will be confirmed: send invitations for this meeting to local councillors, community leaders, business leaders, library patrons, educational representatives and the press.
- Arrange for an experienced member of a Friends of the Library group to give a short talk and allow time for questions. Friends of Libraries Australia can provide speakers if required.
- Distribute handbills inviting membership, and advising of meeting date and place, including in the library, advertising as widely as possible.
- Encourage people to offer suggestions for improving libraries. Acknowledge and consider every suggestion, even if not immediately practicable: feedback will encourage continuing contact.