Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Friends of the Library?
A: Friends of the Library (FOL) is a private non-profit organization established to provide financial and political support for Montgomery County Public Libraries.
Q: How does (FOL) help the libraries?
A: Friends of the Library funds projects and programs not included in the library system’s operating budget, such as educational and cultural programs and innovative library technologies. Friends also advocates for the library budget with the county government to ensure adequate funding for basic library services and collections.
Q: How is Friends of the Library funded?
A: Friends of the Library’s funding is separate from the library system’s operating budget. FOL depends on raising money through book sales, membership dues, donations, bequests, workplace giving and matching gift programs, grants and special events.
Q: How is FOL organized?
A: There is only one Friends of the Library organization serving Montgomery County Public Libraries, and is the umbrella for fifteen local chapters at twenty-one branches. The Friends administrative office is on the third floor of the Rockville library located at 21 Maryland Avenue. Each chapter is housed at its branch library. You can reach the administrative office or any chapter by emailing staff@folmc.org.
Q: How can my branch start a Friends group?
A: Currently, Kensington Park, Long Branch, Noyes, Poolesville, Twinbrook and Wheaton libraries do not have chapters. There are other service areas such as the Disability Resource Center and Multicultural Services that do not have chapters. The first step in starting a chapter is to contact the branch manager to discuss the viability of sustaining a chapter. The paperwork to reestablish a defunct chapter or to form a new one is relatively easy, but it takes a significant amount of volunteer time and effort to raise funds and implement activities that benefit the library. If, after consulting with the branch manager, you want to move forward, contact the Friends administrative office at (240)777-0020 or staff@folmc.org to request technical assistance with completing an application for a charter and a request for inclusion in the group exemption. In addition, there are ongoing networking and training opportunities available to volunteers.
Q: How can I join FOL or make a donation?
A: It is simple to join or make a donation by completing a membership form found in each library or online. You can also download a brochure from this website.
Q: What benefits do I get for my membership?
A: Members receive discounts at FOL bookstores, a subscription to Friends quarterly newsletter, invitations to library and Friends events (like galas and special cultural celebrations), advance notice of book sales and "Literary Feasts," as well as reduced admission to "Literary Luncheons." Membership is your opportunity to support libraries; it is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Q: How does my membership benefit libraries?
A: Your membership provides additional resources for libraries. The dues provide funding for children’s library programs such as Summer Reading, Teen Summer Reading and Teen Read Week; new library technologies such as streaming video, lively cultural celebrations and much more.
Q: How can I help libraries that have the greatest need?
A: You can make a gift to Friends of the Library and designate the specific branch or service area to benefit. Simply write the name of the branch or service area on the membership form and in the memo section of the check. Mail to the Administrative Office at 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Do not make your check payable to a specific library or send it to the branch. If donating online, complete the appropriate section indicating which branch should benefit from your donation.
Q: What else can I do to help the libraries in addition to donating money?
A: You can volunteer, shop at the bookstores, donate books to the stores or your local branch, leave FOL in your will, and/or write your councilperson to support full funding of library operations. For more ideas email staff@folmc.org.
Q: How do proceeds from Book Sales benefit libraries?
A. When you donate books to your local library, they are sold there to raise funds for that branch. You can donate your books to FOL bookstores where proceeds help support system-wide programs that benefit all libraries or pilot new projects. Due to space limitations, books are often shipped from the branches to FOL bookstores. Regardless of where you donate your books, all libraries benefit.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: FOL is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, therefore your monetary or in-kind contribution is fully tax-deductible. FOL will not assign a value to your in-kind donation. Consult with your tax professional or visit www.irs.gov to determine the fair market value of donated goods such as books.
Q: What is a Library Advisory Committee?
Library Advisory Committees (LAC). LACs are subcommittees of the county Library Board, which was established to advise local government officials about matters concerning libraries. (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/opi/bcc/list.asp) Members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The Friends collaborates with the Library Board and their Advisory Committees on how to support the libraries both system-wide and at the branch level. The major difference between FOL and LAC is that FOL’s primary role is fundraising.
Q: What is the Charles W. Gilchrist Volunteer Award?
Friends of the Library gives this annual award in memory of former County Executive Charles W. Gilchrist, who sought to encourage community participation in Montgomery County. It is presented, without regard to race, religion or national origin, to an individual, family, family foundation, corporation, or civic group that has demonstrated exceptional service to Montgomery County Public Libraries through volunteer and/or philanthropic support. To nominate a library volunteer, click here.