Founded in 1992, Friends of Tennessee Libraries (FOTL), a 501(c)(3) organization, is a network of volunteers.
We promote libraries and their Friends.
We support libraries and their Friends.
We advocate funding for libraries on a local, state, and national basis.
Join us as we work together to build a strong, supportive network of citizens promoting the value of libraries as institutions essential to democracy. The urgent need for financial investment in our libraries continues to grow, and FOTL intends to reinforce the front-line efforts of local Friends.
News and Updates
OUR NEWSLETTER:
NOMINATIONS FOR FRIENDS OF THE YEAR ARE OPEN!
Click here to download a copy of the nomination form. Please note that all nominations must be received by December 31, 2025.
Libraries Are Better With Friends Like You!
For over 30 years, FOTL has been bringing Friends of Libraries together to learn, grow, and share as they work to support their local libraries.
Why be a member of FOTL?
- Mentoring Work with our expert mentors to address your needs, from book sales to fundraising to outreach events to building relationships to bylaw creation and revision to legal guidance for 501(c)(3) paperwork and much more.
- Advocacy Stay informed on issues facing libraries at the local, state, and national level.
- Support Apply for grants to support your local group’s activities and nominate outstanding volunteers for awards.
- Access Use our professional Zoom account at no cost to your local Friends.
- Resources Learn from our annual conference, newsletters, and practical information on our website.
Click here to join our community of Friends who love, support, and advocate for our libraries.
Resources for Friends and Library Advocates
FOTL has collected a number of resources on topics of interest to local Friends groups and library advocates.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Click on this link to view our resources by topic.
“…the gifts of time and commitment by Friends of Libraries in Tennessee set a positive example of civic engagement that benefits both volunteers and their communities….”
— from the State of Tennessee Proclamation of Friends of Libraries Week, October 19-25, 2025, signed by Governor Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett
