91´«Ã½

Small Library Award

The Friends of the Kirkwood (MO) Public Library is a busy group! In August 2004 voters of the Kirkwood Missouri library district narrowly defeated a library tax levy increase that was much needed for operating expenses. As a result, in 2005, the Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library were spurred on to increased activity due to this devastating tax levy loss. The group sponsored a mystery dinner theater event raising more than $8,000. Their popular book store generated more than $12,000 in revenue and the group raised their book sale revenues from a previous average of $20,000 to more than $37,000 in 2005. Starting late in the summer the Friends initiated a "book purse" project raising nearly $2,000 from the sale of 65 book purses in just four months. In addition to raising almost $60,000 in one year to support their library, this small but energetic and dedicated also improved their website, established a development committee, hosted three community programs, and provided 20 volunteers to staff a homebound service. In addition, the Friends sent representatives to the Missouri Library Advocacy Day as well as National Library Legislative Day in Washington, DC. The group also works with other Friends groups in the area as well as communities wishing to start their own group.

Large Library Award

Friends of Irving School Libraries (FISL), whose members include library media specialists, school district staff, community liaisons and leaders, was organized with the mission to establish home libraries for the 30,000 students throughout Irving. Without a true funding source to purchase books to establish home libraries, the group determined that a community book drive was the best route to fast funding. The drive coincided with February's National Book Lover's Month. The Friends created pink trees containing red hearts with book titles in local businesses throughout the community. Donors selected a heart and then purchased the book to donate. Volunteers made the trees from wood to be reused in future book drives and delivered them to businesses contacted by librarians prior to the start of the program. The "Have a Heart - Give a Book" drive brought in 523 books as well as $2,500 from corporate sponsors in cash and gift cards.

@ your library® Award

Since 2001, the Richard Bland College Library has been incorporating the 91´«Ã½'s @ your library ® slogan in its marketing plan. The Friends of the Richard Bland College Library also incorporate the use of the @ your library ® slogan in marketing their activities. By using 91´«Ã½'s @ your library ® slogan, the Friends have incorporated an easy and effective way to market their activities to the campus as well as the local community. The Friends use @ your library ® for promoting their book sales, guest speakers, auctions, and by displaying it on their membership brochure, promotional posters, flyers, bookmarks and library web pages. The Friends' continuous use of the slogan has increased awareness and support of the library. The many Friends fund-raising activities have made it possible for the library to purchase library materials, furniture, and equipment as well as bring guest authors to the campus. The Friends' use of @ your library ® has helped make the library the most visible and exciting location on campus!