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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Friends of the Library groups and libraries across the country will be celebrating the 15th annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 18-24, 2020.

National Friends of Libraries Week offers a two-fold opportunity to celebrate Friends – promoting the group in the community, raising awareness and increasing membership, and giving libraries and boards of trustees the opportunity to recognize the Friends for their help and support of the library.

Friends groups and library staff can access a variety of online resources to help them celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week. Materials available at include promotional ideas, PR and marketing materials, ideas from past celebrations and much more. for updates and social media materials.

In addition, the provides an opportunity for Friends groups across the country to share their events, publicity, photos, and more.

In conjunction with National Friends of Libraries Week, two awards of $250 will be given to Friends of the Library groups for activities held during the celebration. Applicants will be judged on creativity and innovation; involvement of Friends, library staff, Trustees, and/or advisory committee; recognition of Friends group; and promotion of Friends group to the community, school, students, and/or faculty. Full application criteria can be found at . The application will be made available in mid-October.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the or contact Jillian Wentworth at (312) 280-2161 or jwentworth@ala.org.