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 in 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 May 2025 Newsletter has been posted to the website. Things to note:
- Funding Update on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
- NCPLDA Advocacy Funds Appeal
- Tidbits from Rube McCray Friends and Henderson County Friends
- Did you know there was a video on how Friends funds can be spent?
- Check out May Positive News
- SEED LIBRARY!
- Keep your regulatory requirements current
- Censorship by the Numbers
- and so much more....
- Deadline for the March edition is 5/25/25. Send your material to editor Judy Hills
What's New or News
- Funding Advocacy
As you know, we try to remain out of partisan politics as a 501c3 (in fact we are required to by governance), however, we have the right to and should advocate for our libraries and their funding at all levels - local, state, and federal.Below is a link, shared by ALA, to assist in contacting our representatives in order to be heard about proposed federal funding cuts. The link allows for you to customize an email to all local representatives...it is your choice. It would also have a greater impact if you would share this with others you know who would also send an email.
https://app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-page?cid=9CyapZUB9sorxFLO4J0c&lang=enThank you to all who spread this important message.
- 2025 NCPLDA Advocacy Funding Appeal
The NC Public Library Directors has asked FONCPL to help secure additional advocacy funding. This year, more than any other, funds are needed to help save/secure funding for libraries and library programs at the state and federal level. Click here to see the appeal letter, and click here to access the donation form. - 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