National Friends of Libraries Week promotes groups who support libraries across the country. Celebrating the third week in October each year, the observance provides the opportunity for groups to increase awareness about membership opportunities, their goals, projects and more.

 

 

Library friends groups help support local libraries in a variety of ways. As a volunteer organization, their programs raise money for library needs. They also help keep the public informed through displays, help engage youth and teens, and spread awareness about library programming. 

 

As a Youth Services Coordinator in Central Mississippi, our friends group sponsored the Summer Reading Program. Our branch reached over 1500 youth each summer and it wouldn’t have been possible to provide programming and prizes without them. 

 

I paid it forward by serving as secretary to the Friends of the Library group when I moved to South Mississippi. I knew how vital community involvement was to the public library system. 

 

This week celebrates the contributions of friends groups across the nation. Their dedication to their local libraries leaves a lasting and positive impact on their libraries and their communities. These are libraries “by the people, for the people” and the friends are invaluable to their success. 

 

Libraries are about so much more than books on a shelf. Digital books can be checked out and returned without leaving your home. Libraries offer computer programming and courses, foreign language labs, music apps, magazines, and a wealth of programming for all ages. 

 

Check out your local library today and find out how you can get involved in a Friends of the Library group.