What We Do

The Friend’s mission is to support the library in four different areas: fundraising,
encouragement of its use, promoting its programs and resources, and to support
the library and staff by assisting with and attending its program and events.

Committees are structured to meet the Friend’s mission and to do so in an organized
fashion.  There are eleven standing committees: 

Board/Officer Nominating & New Member Search Committee
This committee identifies potential new members
for the Board, and who among the board is interested in holding officer positions. 

By-law/Policies and Procedures Committee
This committee ensures that the by-laws, and policies & procedures both adequately
reflect FOL board operations and that FOL board meetings operate as stated in the
by-laws/polices and procedures.  (Reviewed in 2008)
                                                           
Christmas Luncheon
This committee organizes the Christmas luncheon for FOL Board members and
their guests.

PR/Advertising Requirements & Deadlines
This committee promotes library events through articles and advertising.  This is done
with the Alpena News, through the newsletter, and by placing flyers within the
community for upcoming events.

Public Relations/Newsletter/Brochure
This is a multitasking committee.  First, they may support another committee by
writing and submitting a PR article for an event if asked to by another committee.
Second, this committee is responsible for writing/editing/publishing and distributing
the tri- annual newsletter.  Third, this committee is responsible for reviewing the
FOL brochure for accuracy and changes.  They are responsible for maintaining
the brochure supply at the library Circulation Desk.

Membership:
This committee coordinates the annual membership drive by developing letters and
brochures to send to members, collecting names of possible new members, mailing
membership letters and maintaining the database of members and committee
volunteers. 

Develop letter or brochure to be sent to members. 
Solicit five names from all Board Members if necessary.  Address & mail out
membership letters.

Receptions:
This committee is responsible for supporting library activities by hosting receptions for
special events, such as ‘Authors in the Fall’.

Gardens:  (May ~ Oct)
This committee is needed to care for the gardens at the main entrances to the library. 
Tasks include cleaning the plots in the spring, planting annuals and perhaps some
perennials, weeding as necessary during the summer and putting to rest in autumn.

Summer Book Sale
This committee coordinates the Annual Summer Book Sale.  This is the main fundraising
activity of the organization and requires much organizing of schedules, advertising,
obtaining, set-up and break-down of displays, and reporting accurately the monies made.

Book Talk Program
This committee coordinates the Spring & Fall reading events.  Typically there are three
presentations at noon and three in the evening.  A reception with coffee and snacks are
arranged for the events.

Donna M. Garber ~ Blizzard of Books Program
This committee coordinates the acquisition of books which are tied with candy canes
and bows, then taken to the Salvation Army for distribution to area youth during Christmas.

Friends membership is very important to keeping the Alpena County Library one of the
best in Michigan. It is noted that last year the Friends contributed  $5,000 to the History
Room, in addition to purchasing a recorder for the oral history project, sponsoring the
Online Book Club, contributing $2.000 to the Apron Exhibit, authors expenses,
co-sponsoring the Drummunity event, hosting the staff appreciation luncheon and
author receptions, and providing books to area children at Christmas through the
Blizzard of Books campaign.  Additionally, many volunteer hours were contributed
by the Friends in caring for the gardens, organizing and hosting book talk reviews,
and helping with the Summer Book Club and Carnival