Friends of the Fairhope Public Library
The Friends became a 501(c) 3 non-profit in 1972 in order to enhance existing public interest in the Fairhope Public Library and to promote increased knowledge and understanding of its services and needs, and to foster community support for its future. Today the Friends continue this mission by focusing our resources on promoting the library through Awareness, Advocacy, and Fundraising.
Awareness
We believe that keeping our community informed about the vital role the library plays in our lives and in the health of our town is crucial to helping current and potential supporters understand the relevance of our public library. Awareness that engages and educates our public is promoted using social media posts, a Friends Facebook page and a website, presentations to local civic organizations, articles in our quarterly newsletters, special events, and information displayed in our Bookstore. Members of the Friends are encouraged to talk with friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintences about library activities and events. Library support is an attitude and awareness of the significant role the library plays in the Fairhope community will build that attitude.
Advocacy
Being a Friend means we have a vested interest in our public library and that interest conveys to the Fairhope community that we value the library, its services and resources. We are always ready to act on behalf of our library to ensure it has the necessary materials and funds to ensure success. As advocates of the library we are ready with pen, paper, and phone to write, talk, call, and discuss the needs of our library with politicians, civic leaders, and patrons. We recognize and embrace our library as a hub of activity for all citizens in our area and accept that advocating for the library’s services and funding might be necessary every year.
Fundraising
A Friends group is all about Fundraising! Excellent communities have excellent public libraries and as strong advocates we work to keep our community aware of this fact. We know that the budget provided by the city government will never be adequate enough to supply everything the library needs to maintain its high level of services, resources, and technology. We believe that helping raise money for the library is a critical component of our mission. Our fundraising begins with our used book sales (bookstore in the library and monthly lobby sales) and continues with special events like our Chocolate and Champagne Gala. Membership dues are another significant part of our fundraising. We sponsor membership drives each year to maintain and increase the number of library supporters who join our organization.
Programs, Events, Volunteer Opportunities
Who We Are
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer support organization dedicated to sustaining and enriching the Fairhope Public Library as a cultural and educational center for everyone in Fairhope. To achieve this goal we: