Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc.

Friends of the Mississippi Libraries, Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization of library supporters devoted to encouraging, promoting, and advocating reading and library service through public, academic, special, and school libraries in Mississippi. Local Friends chapters can choose to share the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc.’s U.S. Internal Revenue Service 501 (c)(3) non-profit designation. The MLC Friends liaison supports the development and ongoing success of Friends groups by offering assistance, guidance, and training. For more information, contact Sharon Zala at szala@mlc.lib.ms.us or (601) 432-4005.
 

Starting a Friends Group in Mississippi:

• Forming a Friends Chapter in Mississippi (PDF)
• Sample Bylaws Version 1 (PDF)
• Sample Bylaws Version 2 (PDF)

Maintaining a Friends Group in Mississippi:

• 2025 Friends Membership Renewal (PDF)
• 2025 Friends Membership Renewal (WORD)
• File IRS Form 990 e-Postcard
• First time filing? Follow the IRS User Guide

Tools to Help Friends of the Library

• Power Guide for Successful Advocacy
• United for Libraries: With its mission to motivate and support citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries, the United for Libraries website features many resources that can enhance a chapter’s program.
• Libraries Need Friends: Starting a Friends Group or Revitalizing the One You Have by Sally Gardener Reed: This free toolkit is geared mostly toward public library Friends groups, but has good tips on membership and outreach for Friends groups of any type.
• Understanding Roles: The Separate But Complementary Roles of Friends, Trustees, and Library Directors will help you define the roles of the Friends, Trustees, and library staff in working together to support the library.

The Margaret Murray Grant

The purpose of the Margaret Murray grant is to advance library programming and literacy for Mississippi public libraries through activities sponsored by chapters of the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. The $500.00 grant must be used for programming, collection development, or literacy activities. Funds are not intended for administrative or operational use. A local funding match of 10% is required. A link to the application will be available here during the month of February, and the winner(s) will be notified by April 15th.

The Chapter One Award

The Chapter One Award is presented to the Friends of the Library Chapter that has made the most outstanding volunteer contribution in the area of service to libraries during the year. Nominations are accepted during the month of August, and the award is presented at the Mississippi Library Association Annual Conference in October. A link to the nomination form will be available here during August, and the winner will be notified by September 15th.
 

The Ruby Assaf Presidential Award

The Ruby Assaf Presidential Award honors an outstanding volunteer in Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. or in a local chapter. Nominations are accepted during the month of August, and the award is presented at the Mississippi Library Association Annual Conference in October. A link to the nomination form will be available here during August, and the winner will be notified by September 15th.