The Friends Win Big for Your Library The Friends of Free Library of Philadelphia (FFL) recently made it possible for the Free Library to receive an additional 3.5 Million Dollars to the 2005-06 library budget... Read more >
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Friends Groups

Branch Library Friends Groups (Friends Groups) are composed of neighborhood volunteers who work to promote and strengthen their local library by increasing awareness and ownership of this important educational and cultural asset to area residents.

As the umbrella organization, FFL establishes new Groups through the recruitment of a core group of volunteer leaders who are committed to supporting their local library. In addition, we develop and expand existing and newly established Groups with skills training, membership cultivation, program implementation and at times assist with fund raising for collection development and a variety of library needs.

Our most recent joint accomplishment was the significant increase to the 2005 City allocation to the library budget by $3.5 million so that all branches can be open six full days per week and be staffed by accredited librarians. That effort broke a five year hiring freeze that decimated service in many neighborhoods. The activities and advocacy of Friends Groups succeeded in gaining this important increase. Amy Dougherty is available to speak with residents who want to form a new group or existing members who need assistance.

Currently there are 42 active Friends Groups within the 54 branch system. The Friends of the Free Library's 2005-2010 Strategic Plan outlines strategies to help form and maintain a Friends Group at every library branch by 2010. We can achieve this by creating partnerships between the local community, neighborhood organizations and library staff. Please contact the FFL office at 215-567-4562 if you would like to get involved or have questions.

Why Friends Are Important

  • Because full day, 6 day per week service staffed by accredited librarians at all branches is vital to the life long learning for all residents, closing the digital divide and to neighborhood stability and revitalization
  • Because our branch libraries are an often overlooked community resource.
  • Because the library operating budget doesn't cover all the needs of our diverse neighborhoods.

What Friends Do

  • Community strengthening: serving as a conduit for the variety of ethnic groups to enrich each another.
  • Programs: reading and computer literacy, book clubs, career strategies, English as a second language, gardening, health, arts and cultural and more.
  • More Card Holders Increase Circulation: educating neighbors about the importance of being a library card-holder resulting in increased circulation.
  • Collection Development: Friends raise funds for books, CDs, videos, periodicals and computer programs that serve neighborhood needs. Updated Materials Selection Policy.
  • Volunteer Opportunity: augment library staff/receive valuable work experience.
  • Advocacy: increase the visibility of the branch as a vital part of the community.

How Do I Get Involved

  • Visit your branch library or click here to get the name and contact information of your local Friends Group.
  • If there is no active group at your branch or you need additional information about a Group, contact Amy Dougherty: 215-567-4562 or by e-mail at: adougherty@libraryfriends.info.