ANDOVER-When the Library Trustees hosted an informal gathering of persons who frequently supported the library, they spoke of a vital need for an organized Friends of the Library group in Andover that would work collaboratively with the trustees and the library director. From this gathering, a small core group volunteered last fall to become the planning team and began the process of developing a strong organizational structure for a new Friends of the Andover Libraries group.

At the initial planning meeting as team members, we shared about our connections with the town of Andover, the Andover Libraries and what interested us most in participating.  We all spoke of a lifelong love of books and reading and of the positive experience libraries created for us throughout our lives.  Also expressed was the strong desire to support and advocate for the two libraries in Andover, the Library Director, the programs and events planned, to volunteer where needed and to support our director, Michaela Hoover’s  efforts to  foster a welcoming environment for all age groups.

Over the next several months, the planning team rolled up their sleeves, and utilized an effective resource from the NH Friends of the Library website that offered guidelines from the national association, United for Libraries. We developed organizational By-Laws for the Friends which allowed us to obtain 501(c)(3) tax exempt status as a public charity and created a mission statement that reflected a vision for the  new Friends group. Our mission: “The Friends of the Andover Libraries (FOALs) is a non-profit volunteer association that works to strengthen, promote and support the Andover Libraries. FOALs is committed to helping the Library meet the diverse needs of the community and open doors to lifelong learning and discovery for everyone.”
How will Andover libraries benefit from a Friends group? The libraries will benefit by the expansion of their resources beyond the town budget allocations and address our library director’s wish list.  The Friends of Andover Libraries extends our libraries’ capacity to serve our community through membership contributions, volunteer opportunities and program support. This in turn, provides Michaela with the much needed support for her wide array of offerings that so enrich our community. 

Everyday libraries across our state and nation are making a difference for the libraries they serve. Please join us for the Libraries Need Friends Kick off event on Thursday, October 3, at 6:30 PM in the Andover Town Office meeting room. We look forward to sharing more about what we can do together as Friends of the Andover Libraries.