Sat Oct 05 16:16:00 UTC 2024: ## Libraries Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week
**Norfolk, NE** – National Friends of Libraries Week, running from October 20-26, highlights the crucial role of Friends of the Libraries groups in supporting local libraries across the country. These non-profit organizations, independent of the libraries they serve, play a vital role in ensuring the success and vibrancy of communities.
Author Tammy Marshall, a frequent visitor to Nebraska libraries, emphasizes the invaluable contributions of Friends of the Libraries groups, particularly in small towns. These groups often host authors, organize events, and provide financial support, allowing libraries to offer a wider range of programs and services.
According to the Nebraska Library Commission, over 100 of Nebraska’s 272 public libraries have Friends of the Libraries groups. The commission provides contact information for these groups and offers resources for establishing new ones. While Friends groups focus on general support, library foundations often handle fundraising for larger projects.
Marshall highlights the fundamental connection between libraries and the concept of friendship, noting that libraries are “bastions of freedom” and places that inspire love and knowledge. She encourages individuals to consider joining or starting a Friends of the Libraries group in their community.
The Nebraska Library Commission website (https://nlc.nebraska.gov/libraries/FriendsFnd/) provides further information on Friends of the Libraries groups in Nebraska.
First Piper 