They come from all walks of life. They are teachers, construction workers, homemakers, small business owners, lawyers, restaurant workers, salespeople, and retirees. Like the vast majority of Americans, they believe in public libraries. But unlike most people, they do more than keep a warm spot in their hearts and their library cards in the top slots of their wallets. They put their time, energy, creativity, and, yes, money into making their libraries better for everyone.
A recent nationwide poll found that 93% of Americans believe public libraries are a valuable or essential service. In other words, pretty much everyone agrees that libraries are a good thing. (Well, almost everyone. There's always somebody.) But believing in libraries and acting on it are two different things.
That's where the Friends come in.
No radioactive spiders, enchanted artifacts, or secret lairs required. You just need to be willing to pitch in.
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Library Powers.
Friends of the Library groups are a library's secret superpower. They work behind the scenes, often without much fanfare, to help their libraries do more for their communities. Harris County Public Library has the Harris County Friends of the Library (HCFOL) and branch friends groups.
HCFOL supports literacy, programming, collection development, and organizational growth. It provides support for HCPL's signature Summer Reading Program, as well as Book Buddies and Tournament of Books. Additionally, HCFOL provides grants to every HCPL branch and offers scholarships to HCPL employees pursuing a degree in library science.
Individual friends' superpowers take many forms. They turn donated books into fundraising opportunities. They help support library programs and activities. They advocate for libraries and spread the word about the resources and services they offer. They bring people together around a shared belief that libraries make communities stronger.
And the best part? You don't have to be a librarian, the sort of person who reads 100 books a year, or a bazillionaire philanthropist who sneaks out at night in a bat costume to join the friends. You just have to believe that libraries matter and be willing to help.
Every Superpower Starts Somewhere
Maybe you're good at organizing events. Maybe you enjoy meeting people, sorting donated books, or helping a fundraiser run smoothly. Maybe you have a little time to spare and want to put it toward something that benefits your community. Or maybe you're simply someone who believes that everyone deserves access to information, opportunities to learn, and a welcoming place to connect with others.
There's a place for you among the Friends.
Every Friends group is different, and so are the ways its members contribute. But they share a common goal: helping their libraries serve their communities. The time, talents, and resources they bring make a real difference.
Thank You for Being Our Friends
During National Friends of Libraries Week, we celebrate the people who turn their love of libraries into action. To every Friends member who has sorted a box of books, raised funds, spoken up for a library, or quietly taken care of a hundred little things most people never see: thank you.
You remind us that a public library belongs to more than the people who work inside its walls. It belongs to the community it serves, too. And when community members step up to support it, everyone benefits.
If you already belong to a Friends group, know that your work matters and is appreciated. If you've been thinking about getting involved, consider this your invitation. Find out how to connect with the Friends group at your local Harris County Public Library branch or visit hcfol.org.
After all, 93% of Americans already know libraries are worth supporting. Imagine what we could accomplish if a few more of us decided to prove it.
Add a comment to: Your Library’s Secret Superpower