Outreach

Friends groups often reach out to their communities to promote the library and enhance both literacy and literary awareness. "Books for Babies" has been one tried and true method of working to combat illiteracy at its roots. By providing literacy kits and a baby's board book to new parents, Friends can both promote future use of the library by the family and get the baby and parents off to a good literacy start! Literary Landmarks™ provide Friends and libraries with an opportunity to honor the literary heritage in their community by commemorating important local or national author sites with a plaque. These commemorative activities are also great ways to promote the library.

Libraries and Friends can reach beyond their communities as well. Our "Friends in Need" site gives libraries that have suffered a natural disaster, fire, or vandalism a chance to ask for help nationwide. Those who would like to help, can check in to see exactly what is needed - from money to furniture, equipment and/or books - those who can, have an opportunity to give.

FOLUSA itself is reaching across the globe to help librarians in other countries establish Friends groups of their own. In addition, some Friends groups here in the U.S. have created a partnership with a Friends group in another country to share ideas and best practices. Reaching out is what Friends and FOLUSA are all about!