91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - Where would libraries be without Friends? These dedicated volunteers advocate for libraries, raise much needed funds, sponsor programs and special events and host popular used book sales, among other activities. Your chance to honor them is fast approaching, with the sixth annual Oct. 16-22, 2011. Library lovers everywhere are encouraged to join their local Friends of the Library group, or show support for their local library by wearing a celebratory button.

The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) and 91´«Ã½ Graphics have partnered to create new , available in packs of 6, 12 or 18, as well as downloadable materials. The bright, cheerful buttons, bearing two different slogans, “Friend Your Library” and “I’m a Library Friend,” are perfect for staff, Friends and anyone who is a friend to their library! The coordinating includes a variety of flyers and a brochure template that library staff and boards can customize for local Friends events and initiatives.

“Every library will want to use the eye-catching Friend Your Library buttons to honor their current Friends members and to recruit new ones during National Friends of Libraries Week in October and year-round,” said Sally Reed, executive director of ALTAFF. “The downloadable graphics set is a perfect complement to the posters, bookmarks and buttons providing Friends and libraries with a complete themed package to promote and recruit the Friends group throughout the community.”

Are you interested in becoming a library Friend or supporting their work? Learn more about Friends group or support an existing one in your community at the .

Find the new Friends products, as well as the Friend Your Library , and a including posters, buttons and bookmarks at the , where your purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.

supports the 91´«Ã½ mission through the creation and distribution of quality products promoting libraries, literacy, lifelong learning and reading. 91´«Ã½ Graphics develops products based on customer need, including products that support the key action areas of the Association: diversity, education and continued learning, equity of access, intellectual freedom and 21st-century literacy.