Friends of the Library Policy
Effective 02/10/2026
PURPOSE
The Elkader Public Library Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as “The Board,” encourages the establishment and continued growth of a “Friends of the Library” group within Elkader. The purpose of this policy is to define the roles and responsibilities of the Friends of the Library group within the Elkader Public Library.
DEFINITIONS
“Elkader Public Library Board of Trustees” are appointed by the Mayor with approval from City Council and entrusted with the governance of the Elkader Public Library as laid out in Chapter 21 of the City Ordinance.
“Friends of the Elkader Public Library” is a formally established, independent organization with its own officers, bylaws, and bank account(s). They are made up of volunteers with a common interest in supporting the Elkader Public Library’s goals and programs.
POLICY
1. Role of Friends Group
a. The Elkader Public Library recognizes the existence of an independent organization which shares the goals of the Library. Its Friends group shall:
1. Assist, support, and further the goals of the Elkader Public Library.
2. Advocate and promote library services and literacy in their works.
3. Establish closer ties between the Elkader Public Library and the community.
4. Raise funds.
b. While the Board acknowledges the importance of the volunteer services provided by the Friends Group, the goals and objectives of the Friends Group shall not conflict or supercede those of the Board as established in Iowa Code §392.5 and Elkader City Ordinance Chapter 21.
2. Library Responsibilities
a. The Director will serve as a liasion between the Friends and the Board and will attend all meetings. Meeting minutes will be distributed to the Board.
b. With approval from the Board and the Director, the Friends may use the name, logo, and image of the Elkader Public Library in their fundraising and advocacy.
c. The Director shall ensure that a new Memorandum of Understanding is signed and active when there is a change of leadership within the Board or the Friends.
3. Friend Group Responsibilities
a. The Friends Group will abide by all Library policies.
b. The Friends Group will recognize the Board’s right to govern and the Director’s responsibility to deliver library services and programs.
c. All Friends projects should only be undertaken with the full knowledge of the Board and/or Director.
d. Any utilization of the Elkader Public Library’s likeness, name, and logo must be done with the knowledge and approval of the Board and/or Director. It may only be used insothat the event or activity aligns with the Elkader Public Library’s mission statement and purpose.
4. Donation of Materials to Book Sales
a. Materials donated to the Elkader Public Library or those removed from the collection will be given to the Friends via an annual consignment agreement for the Friends Annual Book Sale. Materials will otherwise be sold by the Library in the lobby with the proceeds returning towards the funding of collection purchases and library services in accordance to Iowa Code §8A.202(1.K) and (2.C).
5. Dissolution of Friends Group
a. In the event that the Friends Group cannot fulfill the requirements set forth by this Policy and/or is found in violation of any the Library’s policies, the Friends Group will no longer be recognized by the Library and any Memorandum of Understanding is considered invalid.
b. In the event that the Friends Group decides to disband, all funds raised in the name of the Elkader Public Library will revert to the Board, after debts are paid.