United for Libraries to coordinate 16th Annual National Friends of Libraries Week; award applications open

EXTON, Pa. — Friends of the Library groups and libraries across the country will be celebrating the 16th annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 17-23, 2021.

National Friends of Libraries Week offers a two-fold opportunity to celebrate Friends – promoting the group in the community, raising awareness and increasing membership, and giving libraries and boards of trustees the opportunity to recognize the Friends for their help and support of the library.

United for Libraries has compiled a variety of online resources to help Friends groups, library staff, and communities celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week. Materials available at www.ala.org/united/events_conferences/folweek include promotional ideas, PR and marketing materials, ideas from past celebrations and much more. Join the Facebook event for updates and social media materials.

In conjunction with National Friends of Libraries Week, two awards of $250 will be given to Friends of the Library groups for activities held during the celebration. Applicants will be judged on creativity and innovation; involvement of Friends, library staff, Trustees, and/or advisory committee; recognition of Friends group; and promotion of Friends group to the community, school, students, and/or faculty. Full application criteria can be found at Visit to apply.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Wentworth at (312) 280-2161 or [email protected].