What is a Friend of the Library? Friends of the Library are typically independent 501c3 charitable non-profit organizations dedicated to providing support to a local public Library. Friends groups are affiliated with a specific Library and usually have a formal agreement in place with their Library, but are completely separate, self-governing entities. They are made up of dedicated community volunteers who serve as Library advocates by leading public awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts. The Pearl River Public Library is funded by taxpayer dollars, and is subject to a set of statewide laws that apply just to school district libraries. As such, it is not legally permitted to fundraise except in very limited and specific circumstances. That’s where Friends organizations come in!
While the Library Board governs and the Library Director manages the library, Friends Groups focus on public engagement and supplemental support. Their independence is particularly useful in fundraising and advocacy efforts, as they can support budget votes and campaigns in ways the library itself cannot. The purpose of Friends of the Library groups is not to provide support for day-to-day library operations, but rather, to look for ways that they can strengthen or augment the library in new and exciting ways.
Friends of the Pearl River Library
The Pearl River Public Library has had Friends groups in the past, but there are currently no active members. The Friends of the Pearl River Library did the bulk of their fundraising through an annual appeal letter that was mailed to households in town. Their primary objective was to raise funds for programming, particularly done by the Learning Lab.
A new Friends group is in the process of being formed! The Library is seeking enthusiastic, organized, and responsible volunteers to revive this vital organization. The size, goals, activities, and governance of the new group will be determined by its members. The Library Director will be available to answer questions and provide guidance to this group as needed, and will be available to attend meetings and produce reports to the Friends’ leadership if so desired.
If you are interested in becoming a founding member of the next iteration of the Pearl River Public Library’s Friends, please send an email to the Library Director, Nancy Shah, at nshah@pearlriverlibrary.org. Be sure to indicate if you have any interest in taking on a leadership role within the organization.