Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries
Welcome Friends
Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries (FONCPL)—our statewide volunteer Friends of the Library organization—provides a network for sharing ideas and resources to strengthen Friends of the Library and thereby strengthen our public libraries statewide. Our fine public libraries serve all North Carolinians, providing myriad programs and services for people of all ages—from infants to senior citizens and everybody in between. "There is beauty and purpose in the work of all the people who direct or support public library service in North Carolina, and since 1980 FONCPL has been an enthusiastic advocate for their efforts," says Regina Gale Dozier, former FONCPL Director.
Grants & Awards
- Friends Workshops
The FONCPL Board is offering a $100 grant to Friends groups that agree to host a regional Friends workshop through March 2025. To qualify, each group must invite a minimum of 6 other Friends groups. See the September newsletter for pictures from the recent workshop held by the Stanly County friends. If you are interested in hosting your own workshop, reach out to Tess Thais.
Current Newsletter
The December 2024 Newsletter has been posted to the website. Things to note:
- Holiday ideas
- Friend of the Year, belated award to Anita Koupa South Buncombe Friends
- 2024 Legal Compliance Update--VERY IMPORTANT TO REVIEW
- Banned and Challenged Books in NC
- History of censorship of Christmas Books
- Bookmark/membership application--Southport/Oak Island Friends
- Gifting Friends membership
- Deadline for the January edition is 12/26/24. Send your material to editor Judy Hills
What's New or News
- FONCPL Board elects Joyce Speas President
Joyce is a long-time member of the FONCPL Board of Directors. When President Judy Hills completed her tenure, Joyce agreed to take the reins and the Board elected her to the position. We thank Joyce for stepping up. Please continue your support of our/your statewide Friends organization. - 2024 Legislative Checklist
In the December 2024 newsletter we published, as we do every year, a checklist to make sure your Friends are in compliance. There are a few new things this year, so we encourage you to go through the list and make any necesscary modifications. - 2025 Calendar of Events
There are so many wonderful times to connect to your community. Here's a calendar of events to help get those creative juices flowing! - FONCPL Advocacy Kit
We, the Friends of the North Carolina Public Libraries, urge Friends groups to take a stand on book banning and censorship at public libraries. We offer this material for those interested in preserving our Freedom to Read. Keep in mind that the challenges might not only be about book titles, they may also include library displays, programs, and speakers. FONCPL Advocacy Kit - Join NC-Friends listserv. This NC State Library listserv is for those interested in Friends-related activities and public library service. To join: https://statelibrarync.simplelists.com/
To send a message via the listserv:
nc-fol@statelibrarync.simplelists.com