Friends of Hastings District Libraries Inc. Ko Ngā hoa o Ngā Whare pukapuka o Heretaunga

What do the Friends of Hastings District Libraries (FOL) do?

Connect with district leaders

Friends work with library management and district leaders to develop the Friends' goals and objectives to support library services. While the Friends are an independent charitable trust that supports the Libraries in their role of providing the best library service for the community, this can only be done by understanding the Libraries' and community's needs.

Foster community support for the Libraries and its services

Through advocacy the Friends can make a long lasting and significant difference for local library services. Friends can make the difference between a budget increase and a budget cut, longer opening hours or less, even new additions or buildings. An effective advocacy campaign waged by Friends ensures community support is clearly articulated and understood by Council.

Run a speakers series

Our Speaker Series provides access to authors or experts speaking on current topics of interest. The Friends Speakers Series has hosted a number of notable New Zealanders.

Support special programmes

The Libraries run a large number of programmes for the community, often on a shoe-string budget. Friends can provide support in a variety of ways.

Sponsor resources for library users

Fundraising efforts have enabled the Friends to sponsor a number of items for users of the libraries. Furniture such as comfortable couches, community display boards and desks for public internet computers have all been purchased or subsidised via the Friends of Hastings District Libraries fundraising efforts.

Run book sales

It's inevitable that book sales must happen! With new titles constantly being added, changes in use of space and information being updated, older stock has to make way for new. The Friends of Hastings District Libraries hold book sales across the district as required.

Hold social events for members

Friends become friends. You will find camaraderie in this opportunity to be involved with people who share a similar interest - the well-being of our community and the importance of a great library service in providing equitable access to information.

Benefits of being a Friend of the Libraries

• Satisfaction of supporting the work of the Hastings District Libraries in the community
• Camaraderie - the opportunity to be involved with people who share a similar interest
• Special events and the opportunity to be involved in programmes organised by the Libraries

How do I join the FOL?

A few ways. You can come along to one of our bi-monthly meetings, held in one of the three Hastings District libraries, or you can fill out the online membership form below. 

The annual membership is $10.00. This can be paid directly into the Friends' Westpac bank account 03-0642-0732246-00

For further information contact Guy Wellwood - Chairperson Ph: 027 378 5114