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.
Our Latest News
FOTL News: December 2022 (e-newsletter)
FOTL Newsletter: Fall 2022 (print newsletter)
On the Calendar
April School Library Month
April 4 Tennessee Library Legislative Day
April 11–13 Tennessee Library Association Annual Conference in Memphis
April 23–29 National Library Week: There’s More to the Story
April 25 National Library Workers Day
September Library Card Sign-up Month
October 15–21 National Friends of Libraries Week
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:
- Presentations from FOTL’s 2022 Annual Meeting: Libraries Are Better With Friends!
- The Ethical Dozen for Friends of the Library
- Library Bill of Rights (ALA)
- Tips for Writing Grant Proposals by Dwight Shepherd, former chair of FOTL Grants
Click on the images below to view all the resources by topic.
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“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.”
—State of Tennessee Proclamation of Friends of Libraries Week signed by Governor Bill Lee and Secretary of State Tre Hargett, August 2022