NYLA Collecting Donations for Flood Damaged Libraries in NYS

The New York Library Asoociation created a Disaster Relief fund several years ago (the last time there was major flooding) to collect donations from the library community and beyond to assist libraries damaged by floods and other natural disasters. So far NYLA knows of potentially two libraries that have been damaged by Hurricane Irene and subsequent flooding – Keene and Wells Memorial Libraries. If you know of any other libraries, please let Michael Borges know.

NYLA can serve as collection point for donations and then distribute proceeds to affected libraries. To make a donation to NYLA’s Disaster Relief Fund visit HERE.

Friends Book and Author Lunch

As part pf the Friends of Library Week, the Friends of the APL are offering our Friends Book and Author Lunch, Saturday, October 25th at noon.

Featuring Ron Bassman, Ph.D author of A Fight To Be: A Psychologist's Experience From Both Sides Of The Locked Door.

Lunch catered by Christopher Stallmer; Lunch is $15 per person
Author talk is free and open to the public

Send your check c/o Margaret Lazarczyk, Friends of the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210

Friends of Libraries Week: October 19-25, 2008

The New York Library Association is pleased to announce that the week of October 19-25, 2008 has been proclaimed the 2nd Friends of Libraries Week in New York State by Governor Paterson at the request of the State Legislature.

There are 754 public libraries in New York State serving over 9 million library card holders [51% of the state’s population]. The majority of these libraries have Friends groups that help raise both public awareness and financial support for their libraries, in addition to Friends groups among NYS school, academic and special libraries.

The public support and financial contributions garnered by these Friends groups help their libraries in providing enhanced programming, like expanded summer reading and story time programs, purchasing new equipment and technology, and supporting special events, such as visiting authors and artists.

Libraries statewide on average receive 15% of their annual operating revenue from fundraising efforts like those undertaken by Friends groups [76% comes from local taxes and 9% from state aid]. Friends’ efforts are critical to the ability of libraries to meet the growing needs of their patrons when state and local funding remains static or reduced.

‘Friends groups are comprised of volunteers of all ages and walks of life who believe that libraries are an essential public service and a critical component to a successful community.’ States Susan Swanton, Vice President of Empire Friends Roundtable [EFR] and advocate for National Friends of Libraries Week participation.

‘Thanks to Empire Friends Roundtable winning Friends of Libraries USA [FOLUSA] recognition of EFR’s efforts advocating for a Friends of Libraries Week, EFR is going to ‘pay it forward’ by sponsoring a contest similar to FOLUSA’s National Friends of Libraries Week contest for members of EFR. For details on this contest, see www.nyla.org and go to EFR’s web pages under Roundtables.

‘The New York Library Association encourages all libraries to work with their Friends groups to promote Friends of Libraries Week for October 19-25, 2008 by organizing special events that highlight the contributions and efforts of your library’s Friends group.’ Stated Michael J. Borges, NYLA Executive Officer.

For additional information about Friends of Libraries Week, contact Susan Swanton, VP, Empire Friends Roundtable, 284 Gatewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 [585] 247-0142 or sswanton@rochester.rr.com

"FRIENDS OF LIBRARIES WEEK" REALITY FOR NEW YORK STATE!

Thanks to support from the New York Library Association’s Legislative Committee, chaired by Kathy Miller, Director, Rochester Regional Library Council, and Michael Borges, Director, New York Library Association, both houses of the New York State Legislature approved on June 12, 2007 a proclamation ‘memorializing Governor Eliot Spitzer to proclaim October 21-27, 2007 Friends of Libraries Week in the State of New York’

Inspired by Friends of Libraries USA’s successful 1st celebration of National Friends of Libraries week last year, Empire Friends Roundtable President Susan Swanton requested the support of the NYLA Legislative Committee at their May 22 meeting on behalf of the Empire Friends Roundtable Board and members.

The wording of the proclamation states in part:

‘Whereas, Friends of Libraries groups in New York State raise money that enables our libraries to progress from good to great; these groups provide the resources for libraries to gain additional programming, much needed equipment , support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year, and

Whereas, the important work of Friends of Libraries groups in New York State highlight that libraries are the cornerstone of our communities, providing opportunities for New Yorkers to engage in the joy of life-long learning, and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to the present, and

Whereas, Friends of Libraries groups understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries; they advocate on behalf of libraries to obtain the resources needed to provide a wide variety of library services to all ages, including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children's services, and

Whereas, the gift of time and commitment to New York State’s libraries by Friends of Libraries groups sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of communities, and

Whereas, the proclaiming of Friends of Libraries week in the State of New York will provide a positive example and influence to encourage New Yorkers to join local Friends of Libraries groups, and will demonstrate appreciation and gratitude to these groups and all they do to make our libraries and communities better…’

Read more here.