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Every library needs Friends! Whether you are a community member or librarian -
congratulations, by starting a Friends group you'll be giving an important gift to the
community.

1. If you are a librarian, reach out to some of your most faithful and energetic volunteers
or a few of your most devout patrons to start a small steering committee. If you are a
library lover who wants to start a group, contact your librarian and share your plans. It
is critical to the success of the group that the librarian and the Friends’ steering
committee work closely together.

2. The steering committee should reflect the community. Again, it should include the
librarian and a small core of active volunteers and/or patrons. It is important to have
access to an attorney, public relations and advertising talent, and high profile leaders.

3. Determine the group’s purpose and mission so that you can plan an organizational
structure to accomplish them. This structure will include the types of standing
committees you’ll need to carry out your work.

4. Work on federal and state tax-exempt status with a lawyer’s help so that when you
collect dues they will be deductible. At the same time, work on developing the group’s
constitution and by-laws. ContactFOLUSAfor materials that will provide you with
sample by-laws and assistance for writing your constitution.

5. Determine what your dues structure will be. Consider a structure that will optimize
both the number of members who will join and your ability to raise funds through dues.
Starting with a low student or retired rate and increasing the dues incrementally for
“higher” categories of giving should accomplish both objectives.

6. Once you have developed an organizational structure and have 501(c)(3) taxexempt
status, you will want to embark on a membership drive. This will probably
include a direct mailing and a membership brochure to hand out at the library,
doctor’s offices, grocery stores, and other places where members might be recruited.

7. Design a professional looking brochure for the membership drive. The brochure
doesn’t have to be expensive but it does have to look professional. Be sure that you
include a space for new members to become active participants and volunteers in the
organization. Follow-up right away to involve those who want to volunteer!
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8. Hold your first “all member” meeting following the membership drive. This meeting
should include a program component to attract a high attendance. At this
program/meeting, elect officers and committee chairs to set and accomplish the
group’s goals.

9. Develop a long-range plan for your Friends group that includes participation from
library staff so that your group’s goals can stay in alignment with the library’s vision
and goals.

10. Join FOLUSAto get access to our special toolkit for members only on how to start and
re-energize Friends groups and a host of other materials and advice to help you do
what you do even better!

Download .pdf copy of How to Organize a Friends Group.