Bedford Public Library Policy
I. POLICY
The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) views the Friends of the Library organizations as an important community resource for the public libraries in increasing understanding of, and support for, the library within that community. As a volunteer organization, members are provided with an opportunity to use their time, skills, resources and contacts in a worthwhile community endeavor, while receiving recognition for their efforts, making library strengths and needs known to the public and funding authorities.
The role of the Friends is a support group, rather than a policy-making body. Friends may raise money through book sales, sponsorship of special events or other means endorsed by the library board and Library Director.
II. APPLICABILITY
Each library location may be associated with a Friends of the Library group.
III. OBJECTIVE
- To encourage public interest and support for the library
- To encourage gifts and memorials for the library
- To purchase special items which cannot be taken care of in the library’s budget,
- To assist in public relations and community awareness of and use of the library
- To sponsor programs that support the library’s mission
IV. PROCEDURES
- The Friends groups will have a written statement of purpose and by-laws which should be in accordance with the policies of the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees
- Funds raised by the Friends should not be a substitute for adequate local funding
- Funds raised by the Friends should be maintained in an account separate and distinct from the library’s operating accounts. This account should be administered by the Friends of the Library board, in accordance with the policies of the Bedford Public Library System Board of Trustees
- Funds raised by the Friends in the name of the public library must be used to support programs and materials of the public library.
- Gifts made to the library by the Friends should conform to the library gift and fiscal policies, and may not be used to dictate library policy.
- Suggestions for service improvements may be directed to the local library manager, and requests for resources or assistance may be submitted to the Friends.
