Welcome to the Friends of the Library Web Site
A Letter from our President
Welcome, Friends. We are glad that you have taken time to visit our Friends of the CPH Library web pages. You will notice the menu on the left. Each item in that menu takes you to another page and information about specific activities of our organization. If you wish to obtain information on current FOL activities, please click on the link that follows:
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Each year, the Friends of the Library Board reviews our Mission Statement and Goals for the year ahead. I want to take this opportunity to publish for our membership the goals our Board intends to pursue in the year ahead and the progress we are making toward achieving them (in blue print). We invite you to join us in our efforts to support our "community center for life-long learning!" Without the support of our membership, we couldn't achieve these goals. Please let us know if you are willing to help us by contacting our organization at:
The mission of the Friends of the CHP Public Library shall be to act as a bridge to the community by:
1. Increasing public awareness of, focusing attention on, and expanding the use of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library.
2. Initiating, organizing, promoting, and encouraging cultural and educational activities.
3. Stimulating gifts and endowments for the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, as well as raising funds to support certain Library activities.
Goal I – Respond to areas of need within the Friends Board
1. Identify leadership and volunteer expertise available within our membership and link them to the appropriate activity or committee
a. Identify a Mailing Committee Chair
b. Identify an Author Events Chair
c. Identify a Volunteer Coordinator
2. Plan, develop and publish annually on our website and in the Community
News, an events calendar
3. Further determine, delegate and publish Board responsibilities including job descriptions, notebooks and assignment of goals to be accomplished
4. Communicate with FOLUSA, other Friends organizations, CPH Trustees and community organizations
• a. Sponsor a Friends Sharing with Friends meeting in the spring - 2010
• b. Send at least two representatives to the Annual NYLA Conference 2010
• c. Provide a workshop on a topic of interest at the NYLA Conference 2010
• d. Continue to enhance our e-mail communications using Constant Contact
5. Ensure a Board nomination/application process
6. Plan and publish our quarterly newsletter
7. Ensure a full slate of officers and Board members each year.
Goal II – Respond to areas of need within the community of Friends
1. Increase membership
2. Increase opportunities for members to participate
3. Survey the membership periodically regarding how we might better respond to their needs
4. Continue to develop our newsletter into an interactive form of communication for the Friends, with more people writing articles or submitting personal writing such as book reviews, poetry, personal essays
5. Support the Library Ambassador Program as a resource to our library staff
Goal III – Increase community awareness of the Friends
1. Ensure public relations and publicity
2. Develop and carry out an annual vote mobilization process
3. Meet annually with the Library Trustees to update them on our activities and to determine areas where the Friends can be of assistance -
4. Ensure FOL representation at the monthly Board of Trustees meeting
5. Welcome Board of Trustees representation at our monthly meeting
6. Further develop our website
7. Plan/sponsor cultural and social events that will encourage membership participation
• a. Laura Lippman - Crime Novelist
• b. Margaret Haddiz - Children's Author
• c. Scott Kellogg - "Green Community" Author
8. Continue to sponsor two $1,000 scholarships annually
9. Continue to support the Museum Pass Program.
10. Continue to support the FOL Outreach Program
a. Shatekon Literacy Project
b. Scholastic Book Fair
c. Provide resources for homebound seniors
d. Provide resources for our troops
NEW - Goal IV - Determining and Addressing the Needs of the Clifton Park – Halfmoon Community
1. Identify who our community is - who we serve, and who we do not serve
2. Determine how to serve them.
This goal will parallel goals for the Library proper, expressed in the strategic planning discussions last year.
Goal V – Maintain financial viability
1. Develop an annual budget that allows for outreach into uncharted areas and support for library projects that develop throughout the year.
2. Explore and sponsor fund raising events
a. Organize and create a FOL Favorites Cookbook
b. Install a sales cabinet to display and sell Cat’s Meow, totes and book bags, note paper, entertainment Books
c. Plan a silent auction at our Annual Meeting.
d. Explore other fund-raising opportunities. For example, design and have note paper printed to sell.
3. Continue ongoing used book sales
4. Continue to offer an annual Collette Vacations trip and at least two bus trips.
Become a library supporter! Join the Friends of the Library in 2010!