Carver County Library Board Policy: Freedom to Read Statement
Section LB14

Date Approved: 3/11/25
Previous Policy: 3/8/22
Review Date: 3/2028

Carver County Library supports the development of strong, active Friends of the Library groups throughout the library system. 

Friends of the Library are an important adjunct to library staff in making the local library a vibrant community center.  They support the library, its services and programs by focusing on advocacy, fundraising, public relations and volunteer services.  Under the auspices of the Library Board and Library Director and the direction of the Library Branch Manager, the efforts of the Friends include: 

•  supporting reading and readers and other literacy skill building
• fostering individuals’ ability to achieve lifelong learning goals supporting the Library’s engagement in community activities 

Each branch of the Carver County Library System is urged to develop opportunities for Friends groups to support projects that foster excellence, reach out to the community, and model and nurture the love of reading in accord with Library mission and policy. Because programs offer ways to attract the public, make the library a community hub, and help nurture readers, Friends’ support for programs can make a major difference to the community.  Friends can sponsor library programs for all ages, including children’s summer programs by:  

•  underwriting presenter fees, publicity expenses and hospitality expenses
•  sharing hosting responsibilities with Library staff

 Other Friends activities include: 

• increasing awareness of library services and resources through collaboration in special events, sponsorship of a library booth or exhibit and/or underwriting costs of publicity, posters, handouts for community ventures
• purchasing special furniture such as benches, chairs, shelving, etc.
• providing special collection support, e.g. “Lucky Day” program 
• volunteering for booksales and other Friends sponsored events as volunteers of The Friends of the Library group