The resources on this page have been compiled to support Friends groups and their libraries. All credits go to the listed authors. If you have suggestions to add, please contact Graeme at friends@matichukinsights.ca.
November 19, 2025 | 2025 Canadian Friends of the Library Survey
Thank you to all the Friends group who participated! This report brings together 30 Friends groups from Alberta, Ontario, Québec, BC, and Nova Scotia to understand the pulse of Friends groups and continue building our grassroots network. Contact Graeme at friends@matichukinsights.ca if you would like to join our network.
Resource Library
Free resources to support your Friends of the Library group.
2025 Canadian Friends of the Library Survey Results (PDF, 2025)
Author: Graeme Matichuk
Friends of Canadian Libraries Compiled Resources (36 page PDF on OLA website)
Author: Friends of Canadian Libraries and Ontario Library Association
Working Relationships Toolkit (PDF, 2014)
Author: Friends of Canadian Libraries
The Relationship Between Friends, Staff and The Library Board (PDF, 2015)
Author: Jami van Haaften for Ontario Library Boards’ Association newsletter
Cultivating Your Friends (PDF, 1999)
Author: Southern Ontario Library Service
A Power Guide for Successful Advocacy (PDF, 2013)
Authors: United for Libraries, Sally Gardner Reed, Beth Nawalinski, and Jillian Kalonick
Worth the Investment: Community and Civic Engagement Through Library Friends (PDF, 2015)
Author: Daniel Ferguson, Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA)
Recommended Books
Books available for purchase to support your Friends of the Library group:
Friends for Small Libraries (1991)
Author: Margaret Law
Out of print; available at libraries
The Library Friends, Foundations, and Trusts Handbook (2024)
Author: Diane P. Tuccillo
The Good, The Great, and the Unfriendly: A Librarian’s Guide to Working with Friends Groups (2016)
Authors: Sally Gardner Reed, United for Libraries
Beyond Book Sales: The Complete Guide to Raising Real Money for Your Library (2013)
Editor: Susan Dowd
101+ Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends (2004)
Authors: Sally Gardner Reed, Beth Nawalinksi, and Alexander Peterson, Friends of Libraries USA (United for Libraries)
Available for ALA United for Libraries members only
Even More Great Ideas for Libraries and Friends (2008)
Authors: Sally Gardner Reed and Beth Nawalinksi, Friends of Libraries USA (United for Libraries)
Available for ALA United for Libraries members only
The Essential Friends of Libraries (2005)
Author: Sandy Dolnick
Out of print; available at libraries and through online book resellers
All Ages Welcome: Recruiting and Retaining Younger Generations for Library Boards, Friends Groups, and Foundations (2020)
Authors: Lina Bertinelli, Madeline Jarvis, Kathy Kosinski, Tess Wilson, United for Libraries
Friends of Libraries Sourcebook (1996)
Author: Sandy Dolnick
Out of print; available at libraries and through online book resellers
Friends of Libraries Resource Book (2005)
Author: Daniel Ferguson, Friends of Libraries Australia
Contact Friends of Libraries Australia online at fola.org.au
How to Form Your Friends of the Library Group (2007)
Author: Dorothy Macnaughton and Jami van Haaften
Available through the OLA Library Marketplace
Raising Funds with Friends Groups (2004)
Author: Mark Y. Herring
Out of print; available at libraries and through online book resellers
Recommended Websites
The following websites have helpful information for Friends groups:
United for Libraries Resources for Friends Groups
Friends of Libraries Australia
OLA Friends Committee
The Library Campaign UK
Page developed by Graeme Matichuk. Last updated March 1, 2026.
Matichuk Insights 