The Youngstown Free Library Board of
Trustees and the Friends work closely together to support the
Library's goals of educating, enlightening, and entertaining
community members. Through the coordinated efforts of both
groups, the Library can provide up-to-date, quality services
that contribute vitality and focus to the life of all the
residents.
The Board of Trustees has the legal responsibility of
administering and maintaining the financial aspects of the
Library, which is an association Library and incorporated
501(c)(3). These 9-13 board members meet monthly with the
Library Director and any interested members of the public.
From the budget to grant applications, sustainability
initiatives to strategic plan implementation, Library Board
members are kept busy year-round in their much-valued
volunteer roles.
The Friends of the Youngstown Free Library is an incorporated
separate 501(c)(3) that works diligently to fill the funding
gap between what the Library needs to operate effectively and
what is received from local and county governments. Each fall,
these dedicated volunteers coordinate the Library's Annual
Fund Drive, upon which the Library depends for over 10% of its
operating budget.
The Friends also conduct the Membership Campaign at the
beginning of each year. The campaign's proceeds are used to
supplement many extras not possible through the Library
budget. For example, magazine subscriptions and audiobook
collections have been expanded thanks to the generosity of the
Friends of the Library. Programs like the Library's Annual
Summer Reading Program for children and families are sponsored
by the Friends of the Library.