Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director & Co-Author of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State is a monthly installment where Rebekkah will answer your questions! Feel free to submit your question here or contact Rebekkah at rsmith@midhudson.org with the subject line: AMA Trustee Question.
Q: When there is a separately incorporated Friends of the Library Group of a library with a library board that also does fundraising, who takes the lead in setting fundraising goals?
A: This can get complicated, so communication is key! Ideally, the library board is securing adequate, sustainable funding for the library’s service program and facilities through a public vote. The State Library advises that at least 90% of a library’s revenue come through a public vote to ensure the library is successful. However, not every library is there yet which means some library boards are still heavily engaged in fundraising. In this case, where this is also a Friends of the Library Group, the Friends should be focused on things that would enhance services, programs, and the facilities based on a prioritized list provided by the library director and board. An annual meeting between the leadership of the board, Friends and the library director is advised to everyone is clear on the goals for the year.
