County formalizes processes for Friends of the Library groups; two agreement options offered

Forsyth County staff presented new procedures and two form agreements for nine Friends of the Library organizations that sell surplus library materials to support branch libraries.

Deputy County Manager explained that county statute requires county property to be surplused before transfer and that proceeds from county property must support the library. After several months of review and meetings with volunteer groups, staff proposed (1) a two‑page memorandum of agreement for groups that strictly support the library and (2) a longer agreement for groups that raise or receive other funds and also spend on non‑library initiatives. The longer agreement includes additional reporting, a remittance clause requiring funds generated from county property be returned if not spent within 12 months, and notification requirements if groups plan to use funds for outside projects.

Staff said the intent is not to confiscate funds but to ensure legal compliance and clear expectations about remittance and reporting. Library and attorney staff participated in drafting the agreements and have engaged the Friends groups in multiple conversations about the changes. A community meeting at Malloy Jordan Heritage Center was scheduled to discuss the agreements further.

Commissioners asked for a list of the nine Friends groups and the county manager said staff hopes most groups will sign the short MOA; a small number may choose the longer agreement. Staff emphasized the agreements allow Friends groups to continue supporting libraries while clarifying how county property and proceeds are handled under statute.

The board was asked to approve the procedures and authorize standard agreements to formalize relations between the county and Friends groups.