Agenda Summary
title
Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week.
body
Official Text
WHEREAS: The American Library Association recognizes October 20th through the 26th of 2024 as the 19th annual National Friends of Libraries Week to celebrate the work of Friends groups across the United States; and
WHEREAS: Friends of Libraries are local nonprofits comprised of volunteers that raise money to support library programming, raise awareness of library services, and ensure that libraries can remain crucial third spaces for municipalities; and
WHEREAS: The Friends of the Somerville Public Library (FSPL) have done incredible administrative, fiscal, and cultural work to fund, sustain, and increase engagement with all branches of Somerville’s public libraries; and
WHEREAS: The FSPL has utilized sponsorships from local businesses such as Gracie’s, Remnant Brewing, and American Flatbread as well as donations from members to fund author series, cultural passes to museums, drag queen story hours, classes for English Language Learners and Baby Sign Language, and so much more; and
WHEREAS: The FSPL has created annual budgets informed by SPL staff in order to meet the unmet needs of staff and the community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council recognizes October 20th through 26th, 2024, as National Friends of the Libraries Week and celebrates the work of the Friends of the Somerville Public Libraries.