"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.