The purpose of the User Group is to enable users:

• To have a more direct forum through which they can express their views, opinions and ideas about their library or the library service in general
• To contribute to or influence the decision making process and hence the development of the library service
• To receive information about the service

However, user groups(or Friends) have developed and expanded their range of activities far in excess of anything that was imagined when they were originally established:

Income Generation

User groups have raised income from a range of different activities, eg, Christmas Fayres, musical evenings, book sales, etc eg, Bleakhouse.

Improving library facilties

Some groups have raised money to improve library facilities, improve bookstock etc.

Bidding for external funding

Some user groups have been successful in gaining funding from the Lottery, Prince's Trust, Seedcorn Fund amongst others

Local History projects

Many user groups have embarked upon collecting initiatives, reminiscence work and have produced a community history publication. eg, Langley

Promotional activities

Leafleting, poster campaign, activity sessions, summer fetes, membership drives etc are amongst the promotional activities that have taken place.

Groups have also been involved in wider consultation, surveying etc

Federation of User Groups

All user group members have the opportunity to attend the Federation Of User Groups four times a year. The Federation has a valuable role in:

• Information exchange/sharing
• Coordination and support including mutual help exchange, advice and encouragement and consultation with all groups.
• Influencing policy
• Advisory Committee attendance
• Lobbying
• Becoming involved with the national Library Campaign

Information about your local user/Friends group can be obtained by contacting your local library.

New members are always welcome.