Are You the Library’s Friend?

Did you know that the library has Friends? No, I’m not talking about the kind you find on Facebook. (But yes, we have those too!) I’m talking about a group of library users who support the library, its collections and services through fundraising and advocacy activities.

Each branch of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (and most likely your local library too, wherever you might be) has a Friends group. Depending on which neighborhood library you visit, this group might be very active or it may have only a few loyal members.  It might be in the process of revitalization, or, as in the case of the Main Library in Oakland, trying to get started almost from scratch.

The Friends of the Main Library in Oakland is seeking input from those who live and work in the Oakland area, those who use the Main Library as their branch, and anyone interested in supporting this grand old building and the services it provides to library customers.  If that describes you and you have a minute to spare, please click on this link and fill out the Friends of the Main Library Interest Survey.   I promise you that it’s quick and painless.  We really need your input and guidance to make this burgeoning group a success.  We, quite literally, can’t do it without you.

Do you value your library, want to make a difference that impacts your whole community, and have even a few hours to spare? I implore you to seek out your local library’s Friends group and join. I think you’ll be surprised at what you can contribute, what you’ll learn, and how enjoyable it will be.

-Melissa M.

Love the Library?

If you haven’t already heard, the Governor’s proposed budget for 2010-2011 includes another reduction to library funding, so the “Pittsburgh Protect Your Library” campaign is still entirely relevant. Writing to your legislators is essential; they need to hear that the library matters to you and why. 

If you’d like to take the next step and really get involved in your Main Library, this is your opportunity. Tomorrow evening is the initial meeting of the Friends of the Main Library. We will be talking about what you, an individual in the community, can do to work together to help the Library. So if you love the Main Library in Oakland, you can join other like-minded folks to see how a strong Library Friends group can make a difference.

Wondering what the group is going to do? Well, it’s up to you! Libraries all over the country have Friends organizations that work in a variety of creative ways to support their local libraries. To learn more about Friends groups and what they do, visit the Friends of Libraries, U.S.A. website.

You may be wondering, “Doesn’t the Library already have a Friends organization?” Good question. Several of our branches have individual Friends groups, and the Library system as a whole had one that hasn’t been active in a few years.  If you’re interested in getting involved in your neighborhood location’s Friends, check with them to see when the next meeting is. If you used to be a member of the overall Friends group, we would love to have you back!

When:  Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 6:00 PM
Where:  Director’s Conference Room, First Floor
                 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main
                 4400 Forbes Ave.
Contact:  412-622-3151 or newandfeatured@carnegielibrary.org

We hope to see you there!!

-Kaarin