Annual Meeting

2025 Annual Meeting Details

We had an exciting time at the Friends of Kentucky Libraries (FOKL) Thirteenth Annual Meeting, held at the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, KY. This year’s theme, “How Can Friends Help Friends,” sparked meaningful conversations and new ideas. Over 70 Friends attended, representing 24 counties across the Commonwealth.

Sharing Ideas, Strengthening Chapters
Attendees participated in four dynamic Roundtable Discussions:

Start-Up, Revitalizing a Friends Group &
Generational Challenges
Successful Fundraiser Ideas (Beyond Book Sales)
Building Membership & Volunteers
Marketing & Community Outreach

Notes were collected, summarized, and shared with all attendees to take back to their local chapters. We hope these ideas spark new energy and creativity as Friends continue to grow, fundraise, and connect with their communities.

Guest speaker Jean Ruark, Director of Paul Sawyier Public Library and Chair of the Library Advocacy Committee for the Kentucky Public Library Association, delivered an inspiring update on advocacy. She emphasized the importance of building relationships with local legislators: “They do listen—and repetition makes a difference.” Her advice? Be polite, prepared, and persistent. Don’t wait for a big issue. Current legislation, including the revised Senate Bill SB71, could impact local library board appointments.

Shared valuable insight from Simon Boes, Friends Book Cellar Manager at Lexington Public Libraries and FOKL Treasurer, introduced World of Books(WOB)—a book buy-back company that offers a revenue stream for libraries of all sizes. View his PowerPoint presentation on our Welcome page.