Founded in 1992, Friends of Tennessee Libraries (FOTL), a 501(c)(3) organization, is a network of volunteers.
- We promote libraries and their Friends.
- We support libraries and their Friends.
- We advocate funding for libraries on a local, state, and national basis.
Join us as we work together to build a strong, supportive network of citizens promoting the value of libraries as institutions essential to democracy. The urgent need for financial investment in our libraries continues to grow, and FOTL intends to reinforce the front-line efforts of local Friends.
Our Latest News
On the Calendar
- October 20-26 Friends of Libraries Week
Libraries Are Better With Friends Like You!
For over 30 years, FOTL has been bringing Friends of Libraries together to learn, grow, and share as they work to support their local libraries. And we’re looking forward to doing it again in 2024!
Why be a member of FOTL?
Mentoring Work with our expert mentors to address your needs, from book sales to fundraising to outreach events to building relationships to bylaw creation and revision to legal guidance for 501(c)(3) paperwork and much more.- Advocacy Stay informed on issues facing libraries at the local, state, and national level through legislative updates, tips for communicating with elected officials, and events such as the March for Libraries.
- Support Apply for grants to support your local group’s activities and nominate outstanding volunteers for awards.
- Access Use our professional Zoom account at no cost to your local Friends meetings and receive one-on-one Canva coaching.
- Resources Learn from our annual conference, newsletters, and practical information on our website.
Click here to join our community of Friends who love the libraries that light up our lives.
Resources for Friends and Library Advocates
FOTL has collected a number of resources on topics of interest to local Friends groups and library advocates.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
- Our Libraries Light Up Our Lives (presentations from FOTL’s 2023 conference)
- Friends 101
- The Ethical Dozen for Friends of the Library
- Library Bill of Rights (ALA)
Click on this link to view our resources by topic.
“The gifts of time and commitment by Friends of Libraries in Tennessee set a positive example of civic engagement that benefits both volunteers and their communities.”
— from the State of Tennessee Proclamation of Friends of Libraries Week, October 15–21 2023, signed by Governor Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett, August 2, 2023
