Since 2005, the American Library Association has promoted National Friends of the Libraries Week during the third week of October as a time to recognize the dedication of Friends groups across the nation.
The Wright State University Friends of the Libraries were established in 1978 and is a group of Wright State faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and community members who are committed to supporting the unique needs of the Wright State University Libraries and its patrons.
A few of the ways they support the mission of the WSU Libraries to provide quality research services, materials, and library spaces for students, faculty, staff, and the Miami Valley community are:
- The Friends support the library staff grants for research projects, new equipment and technology, staff development, and other special projects.
- In collaboration with the Wright State University Retirees’ Association and the Wright State University Alumni Association they host a book club discussion on select evenings at 5:30 p.m. via WebEx.
- In April they host an annual meeting and luncheon. For April 2022 they hosted a virtual “lunch-in”, Paul Laurence Dunbar, a Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of His Birth, featuring Herbert Woodward Martin, Professor Emeritus, University of Dayton.
- Twice per year they award $500 scholarships to library student assistants in recognition of their outstanding job performance and contributions to the work of the Libraries.
- Annually in April, the Friends of the Libraries honor the “Top Scholars” selected by the Dean’s Office in each college and the Lake Campus.
- And more…
If you are not already a member, please consider joining or renewing your membership today. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Friends of the Libraries Week than welcoming you to our membership!