Library friends groups

Library friends groups are open to any individuals who want to get involved and support their library.

Successful friends groups can help to:

  • Support and promote their local library and the services it offers
  • Raise money by fundraising and applying for grant funding
  • Enhance the programme of library events and activities
  • Foster and promote the inclusion of community groups in their use of library service facilities
  • Develop exciting and meaningful services for our communities

We work with friends groups to develop services that are relevant to local communities and grow the network of library friends within Lancashire.

Many groups have started with small numbers and have grown over time. Our experience is that a small group can still be very effective in making a positive difference.

If you are interested in becoming a friend of your library or setting up a new friends group, we can provide information, support and guidance.

Join a friends group

To become a library friend, find out if your local library has an existing friends group:

Set up a new friends group

If you are interested in setting up a friends group at your local library, contact the community library manager at libraries&communities@lancashire.gov.uk for advice and guidance.

To get started, you'll need to:

  • Speak to a member of library staff and to any interested people within the local community
  • Arrange an informal meeting to generate interest and recruit new friends
  • Adopt and agree the Friends of Lancashire Libraries Constitution and terms of reference (PDF 331 KB)
  • Set up a committee and appoint members to office roles, i.e. Chair, Secretary and Treasurer
  • Decide on frequency of meetings and how written records will be kept and circulated
  • Set up a bank account and agree signatories
  • Co-operate with Lancashire library staff to agree mutual aims and objectives