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The Friends of the Nampa (Idaho) Public Library and the Huntley (Ill.) Area Public Library District Friends Foundation receive 2015 Baker & Taylor Awards

Two groups have been recognized with United for Libraries’ Baker & Taylor Awards for outstanding efforts to support their library. Each group receives $1,000 and a clock from Baker & Taylor to honor their achievements.

The Friends of the Nampa Public Library worked with the library staff to build a Friends group to match the library’s momentum. While advocating for a new library building, the Friends underwent extensive planning and training to open a successful Friends bookstore within the new library, which opened in 2015.

Years ago, the Huntley (Ill.) Area Public Library District Friends Foundation hosted golf fundraisers that brought in $10,000, but could not get the momentum back for a similar fundraiser after the economy spiraled. They decided to revamp the idea with a mini golf fundraiser within the library, which would also meet the goal of attracting young people to the library. The Friends found sponsors and hosted it as a back-to-school event in August. The event is a favorite because it brings together golfers of all ages, Friends, community members, and businesses in support of the library.