MALF Brings a New Workshop Series to Minnesota Libraries
By popular demand, “Revitalization” is the focus of this year’s Minnesota Association of Library Friends (MALF) annual workshop series. Sally Gardner Reed, Executive Director of United for Libraries, will lead and keynote Refresh and Revitalize Your Friends Group in half-day workshops in four locations across Minnesota.
Questions to consider: Does your Friends group organize the same slate of events year after year, without appreciable growth or diversification? Does the same handful of long-time volunteers assume all leadership responsibilities, with no real prospect of “new blood” in sight? Is your membership roster stagnant, or worse, declining?
If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, rest assured that you and your Friends group are not alone and Refresh and Revitalize Your Friends Group is just what you need. Please join library Friends at one of four locations across Minnesota:
Austin Public Library (SELCO)
323 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN, 55912
Wednesday, September 14 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Rum River Library (MELSA)
4201 6th Ave, Anoka, MN, 55303
Thursday, September 15 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Robert Trail Library (MELSA)
14395 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN, 55068
Friday, September 16 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Douglas County Library (VLS)
720 Fillmore St., Alexandria, MN, 56308
Saturday, September 17 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Of these sessions, Sally Gardner Reed promises, “We will cover a lot of ground, but focus on how to change the typical ‘structure’ of the Friends group to attract new, young, and active volunteers.”
In addition to the keynote, attendees will participate in small group roundtables, plus have a chance to share thoughts and experiences during an hour-long idea exchange session – a MALF workshop staple, and one of participants’ best opportunities all year to network and share with Friends from across Minnesota.
Refresh and Revitalize Your Friends Group is FREE to attend, and it is not necessary to be a member of MALF or any Library Friends organization. A complimentary lunch will be provided at each location. Pre-registration is required, to ensure the appropriate number of lunches and informational packets. Registration for all four sessions opens Monday, July 18 and will close in early September. Stay tuned to the MALF Blog for more details.
United for Libraries (formerly Friends of Libraries U.S.A.) is the Friends of the Library arm of the American Library Association, and MALF’s counterpart on the national stage. As executive director, Sally Gardner Reed oversees UFL resource development, strategic planning, and committee assignments.