Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Friends Of Library topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses reviving Friends of the Library group and steps toward a 501(c)(3)
Summary
Board members reviewed a checklist and ALA resources for restarting a Friends of the Library group, discussed forming a small community task force, and noted legal and recruitment steps needed to form a 501(c)(3).
Board members discussed reviving a Friends of the Library organization and next steps to form a 501(c)(3) to accept donations on behalf of the library.
Board members said they reviewed American Library Association guidance and drafted a checklist of tasks, including forming a small community task force to outline needs, identifying potential volunteer leaders, and consulting legal staff about allowable board involvement and a memorandum of understanding describing the relationship between the library and a Friends group. Alex (board member) agreed to lead further work on the checklist after the outgoing chair hands off materials.
Members discussed recruitment options: sharing a sign-up in a newsletter, compiling a short list of potential volunteers (former board members and community leaders were mentioned), and creating an informational blurb for a newsletter or advertisement once the group’s purpose is defined. Several speakers cautioned that because the city publication is a city-controlled outlet, paid advertisement or other formal arrangements might be necessary for recruitment messaging in that channel.
Board members also discussed small early projects (examples offered included a water-fill station) and noted that legal questions remain about the board’s direct involvement and staff participation. They agreed to draft specific legal questions for the city attorney’s office and to plan for an MOU to define roles if a Friends organization is established. No vote or formal action to create the organization was taken at this meeting.
