Friends of the Olds Municipal Library
General Information ♠
Board Information ♠
Contact Information
Join the "Friends of the Library"
Mission and Vision
Friends of the Olds Municipal Library is a voluntary, charitable association, that supports the extension of services and resources of our library. It is also dedicated to improving community awareness and enjoyment of our Library services. These aims will be enabled through the fundraising efforts of the group.
Why Is It Necessary To Raise Funds To Support Our Library?
Public Libraries are owned by the municipality which encompasses them. As with any public edifice, it and it's contents must be supported by the public purse. As we all know everyone wants to keep their property taxes to a minimum; therefore library budgets cover only the bare necessities of library service. The funds for things to improve the quality of library service that cannot be supported in the library budget must be found elsewhere. Much of the funding for these items cannot be accepted directly by the public library or it's board, due to government regulations and restrictions. Such funds may only be accepted by an organization which is "at arms length" from the library. Hence, a "Friends of the Library" group is formed.
What is "Friends of the Library"?
"Friends of the Library" are groups of people who recognize that their library needs assistance. They are willing and able to step forward and offer what help the library needs. This may take on many forms; from fundraising and coordination, to volunteer work at the library. "Friends of the Library" groups are registered under the Societies Act of Alberta which allows them to accept donations and issue tax deductible receipts. They have their own Mission Statement and By-Laws and are independent from the Library.
Types of 'Friends'
There are three types of friends that make up the "Friends of the Library".
Board Members: comprised of 4-10 members who regularly meet to organize and plan fundraising events. They go out into the community to advocate on behalf of the library, and keep track of the 'Friends' memberships and financial plans.
General Members: comprised of volunteers who are called upon to help organize events, run them, and attend general meetings to help guide the work of the 'Friends'.
Financial Members: Individuals, businesses, service clubs and the like, who donate financially to the 'Friends'.
Who Can Join?
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of their library may ask to join the organization. People from all walks of life, with a multitude of talents are members of "Friends of the Library" groups throughout Alberta and Canada. 'Friends' of all ages are needed.
Why Join?
People join 'Friends' groups for any number of reasons:
'Friends' appreciate the value that a public library brings to their community and want to help the operation of the library in a meaningful way.
'Friends' want to help support the library's budget by raising funds for things that cannot be covered by the public purse.
'Friends' want to raise the profile of their library within the community.
'Friends' want to ensure that the public library that they grew up with will continue to serve future generations.
There are many reasons for becoming a "Friend of the Library": what's yours?
Join Us!
"Friends of the Library" Executive Officers
President |
Bill
Hagerty
|
Treasurer |
Harold
Gordanier
|
Secretary |
Frances
Ritchie
|
Contact Information
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