Oh, how I love libraries! Thousands of books on every subject you can imagine and all free!? Just the thought of all that knowledge and beautiful language housed in 1 building makes me giddy. In the 21st century, libraries not only have traditional book lending services, they also play a vital role in helping us sift through the massive amount of information available to us online, making libraries an even more vital community resource.
Most libraries have a nonprofit auxiliary called Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library is a robust group with subgroups that cover most of Pasadena’s 10 branches; they raise funds, have book sales and staff the Library’s book store.
But like many all-volunteer organizations, FPPL is struggling to recruit volunteers to serve on the board and carry out all their activities. Board and organizational development expert Heather Tunis spent several months in 2018 working with the board to assess FPPL’s needs in board members and create a recruitment plan. FPPL board member Katie Harris calls Heather “superb” and said they appreciated her “nonprofit experience, tact, vision, organizational skills and genuine enthusiasm for our mission.” As a result of the project, they have already recruited three new board members!
The ripple effect of Heather’s project is that the Friends will continue to thrive and support the free access to information and literature that libraries provide. To become a Friend, visit their website (www.friendsppl.org) or drop by the store at Central Library at 285 E. Walnut St.