Friends of the Library. Sounds like the perfect relationship (eyeroll). Let's be clear. I do not hate the idea of having an organization working to do fundraising for my library. An organization who selflessly gives their time to make sure the library and its staff have the funds they need to create programs for the community. Who better to be the voice of the community, to raise money for programs for the community, to have a say so in how that funding is spent, than individuals from the community. This sounds like the epitome of a well oiled machine. Unfortunately, this has not been my experience thus far. So while I am struggling to find common ground and help from my friends group, I want to explain to you how things should be. What a truly healthy relationship should be.
Creating a Friends group without a clear sense of its purpose may lead to trouble and confusion, therefore, it sometimes is best to initiate a Friends group by first creating a constitution and bylaws (Taylor, 2000). Many Friends associations are fundamentally library-driven, with programs and directions established by librarians working with volunteers. Even if the Friends group is not to be library-administered, it is critical that the library retain a strong voice in planning and policy (Taylor, 2000). As librarians contemplate a Friends group and its possible creation or reconstruction, it is important to remember not simply what the Friends may do for the library, but what the library will owe to its Friends. They deserve well-planned, lively, quality programs which reflect high standards and topics (Taylor, 2000).
Below are resources on and for Friends' Groups.
Taylor, M. E. (2000). It's hard to make new friends: what to think about in creating a friends of the library group. Library Trends, 48(3), 597-605.
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