Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Society of Friends of the Lethbridge Public Library

The Society of Friends of the Lethbridge Public Library is an incorporated Alberta society and registered charity that exists to support and enhance the services of the Lethbridge Public Library. Operating entirely through volunteers, the Friends raise money via continuous used book sales in their “Booktique” outlets, periodic large book sales, licensed casino events and cash donations from individuals and organizations. These revenues are then donated to the Library to cover special needs, capital improvements and program enhancements that fall outside the Library’s regular operating budget from the City of Lethbridge.

Over more than 30 years, the Friends have contributed well over one million dollars to the Library. Their largest single gift was a $150,000 contribution to the Crossings Branch building campaign, recognized through the naming of Friends Place. Other funded initiatives have included sustainable toys and children’s interactive stations, digital equipment for the Theatre Gallery, lendable Chromebooks and portable Wi‑Fi, bicycle lockers and outdoor furniture, garden and signage projects, children’s collections and shelving, support for the Library’s grand piano, atrium furnishings, printing of the bi‑monthly program guide, and sponsorship of the annual Word on the Street literacy festival.

The Friends do not run open competitive granting calls; instead, they work closely with the Library’s Board and administration. According to their history and bylaws, the Library Director and Library Board submit proposals for expenditures, and the Friends’ Board approves donations aligned with the organization’s objects. Funds are paid out upon receipt of invoices, ensuring that money is applied to specific approved projects, equipment or services that directly benefit patrons.

Financial operations are governed by bylaws under the Alberta Societies Act. All funds received must be used to further the Friends’ objects in support of the Library. The Treasurer maintains accounts, prepares audited financial statements, and submits required returns to provincial and federal authorities and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Annual income and expense statements are made available to members and the public.

While the Society’s sole institutional beneficiary is the Lethbridge Public Library, the impact of its funding reaches a wide public: children and families using enhanced play and learning spaces, teens and adults benefitting from digital equipment and furnishings, and the broader community attending literacy events and programs partially underwritten by Friends’ donations. By providing a steady stream of supplementary funding and acting as vocal advocates at City Council and in the community, the Friends help ensure that the Library can offer a high level of programs and services for residents of Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

Incorporated on 6 August 1992 and granted charitable status in 1993, the Society evolved from earlier informal volunteer support for the Library’s used book sales. Switching from an annual sale to a continuous Booktique model in 2007 significantly increased revenues and volunteer engagement. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected annually by voting members, and operates with administrative liaisons from the Library. No Board member receives remuneration, and administrative costs are kept below one percent of income, maximizing the share of funds directed to library projects.