United for Libraries is seeking educational programming for library Friends, Foundations and Trustees to premiere at United for Libraries Virtual 2026 United for Libraries Virtual is an interactive three-day virtual event featuring expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees,…
PLA 2026 Sessions for Library Trustees, Friends, and Advocates
The Public Library Association Conference (PLA 2026) takes place April 1–3 in Minneapolis, bringing together thousands of public library professionals and advocates for three days of learning and collaboration. While PLA is known for its professional development opportunities for library…
Mini-Golf at the Library: How One Winter Idea Became a Catalyst for Community and Innovation
United Past President Skip Dye describes how a mini-golf fundraiser grew into a model for community engagement and collaboration between Friends and Foundation. When the Geauga County Library Foundation launched Mini-Golf at the Library in September 2009, the goal was…
1 Week Left: Nominate a library champion for the Trustee Citation by March 6
The selected honoree will be recognized at ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago. About 60,000 Americans serve on library boards across the country. Each year, the prestigious ALA Trustee Citation, distributed by United for Libraries, recognizes one Trustee among them for…
United for Libraries mourns the loss of longtime Board member Brenda Langstraat Bui
A message from United Past-President and Board member Skip Dye United for Libraries mourns the loss of Brenda Langstraat Bui, who passed on January 31, 2026. Brenda was first appointed to a 3-year term as Foundation at Large in 2020 and re-elected…
2025 National Friends of Libraries Week Award winners: Friends of the Moorhead Library and Friends of the Perry, Iowa Public Library
Each group will receive $250 from United for Libraries in honor of their celebrations during the 20th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, held Oct. 19-25, 2025. Friends of the Moorhead (Minn.) Public Library For National Friends of Libraries Week 2025, Friends of…
Applications closing soon: Apply for $500-$1,000 for your Friends of the Library
The funds will help small and rural libraries with priority projects; applications close Wed., Jan. 21 United for Libraries and Penguin Random House will award grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000) to support libraries in need. These grant funds…
Apply for the 2026 United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants to U.S. Rural and Small Libraries
Applications are open now through Wed., Jan. 21 United for Libraries and Penguin Random House will award grants of $500 and $1,000 (totaling $25,000) to support libraries in need. These grant funds will assist Friends of Library groups with priority…
National Library Legislative Day: December 12 Interest Deadline
Join other library advocates from across the country and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill on February 25-26. After a preliminary briefing day to learn the essential skills of advocacy in Congress and network with colleagues, National Library Legislative…
One day only: Cyber Monday sale on Friends of the Library merch!
The holiday season is in full swing, and that means libraries, library lovers, and Friends groups are ramping up for all the seasonal programming, from toy drives to winter book sales. This year during all the festivities, you can show…