Friends In Action

"Friends." Where would we be without them? If we're talking about public libraries, many of us would be up the budgetary creek without our Friends of the Library groups. This new video from H.W. Wilson offers a discussion between host Peter Blum and FOLUSA Executive Director Sandy Dolnick concerning the four main activities that Friends groups are involved in: volunteering, fundraising, programming, and public relations/advocacy. Using oncamera reports from many libraries, the program points out some of the innovative fundraising and programming ideas that various Friends groups across the country have come up with: everything from creative membership drives to sponsoring "mystery nights" at the library. In addition, the program looks at the wide array of newsletters produced by Friends groups and a sample of the FOLUSA promotional goodies available. While strong and very active Friends groups are not likely to learn anything new from this program, there's a certain PR aspect to having this program. Our Friends have done so much for us, it's nice to see a video program done for them. Recommended. (Available from: H.W. Wilson Co., 950 University Ave., Bronx, NY 10452; 1-800-3676770.)