Dear Friends,

This past year was one of renewed dedication for the steering committee.  On your behalf, we actively led in a very exciting year that culminated in the launching of several new programs, engaged students, faculty and friends alike, and saw a 24 percent increase in both the amount of funds raised as well as the number of donors.  Furthermore, the steering committee successfully engaged the University administration and members of the Board of Trustees in raising the profile of the library.  At year’s end, on behalf of all of the Friends, the steering committee participated in the interview process for the new University Librarian.

Membership and Outreach

In FY2007, 931 individuals renewed or initiated a Friends membership and gave generously this year, contributing $148,951 towards endowed, restricted, and general gift funds to help build the library’s collection.  To recognize our growing membership, the Membership Development Committee worked with Archives and Special Collections and University Publications to produce a series of note cards featuring Japanese block-prints by Hiroshige from the library’s Special Collections.  These beautiful note cards are being used to thank donors and bring a greater awareness to the library’s Special Collections.

Literary Lunchtime

While the Friend’s continued to support the Library’s Celebrating Scholarship series with faculty authors, we also took the initiative to help support the creation of a similar series for student writers.  The Literary Lunchtime series is a monthly reading by two students from the College of Arts and Sciences’ Master of Fine Arts programs.  Held in The Mud Box, these readings provide young authors with a positive opportunity to share their writings with peers.  We again congratulate the students and thank the MFA faculty for their partnership in creating this wonderful opportunity.

Events

This past year brought about many exciting events for us to stay in touch with old Friends and make new ones.   In November, we hosted a successful Wine-tasting and Silent Auction fundraiser at the president’s residence, and raised over $4,000 with over 50 people in attendance.  Interim President Dr. Kerwin was in attendance and addressed the group, thanking the Friends for their support and highlighting the importance of the library to the university community. 

Soliciting nothing more than spare change through a fall Penny Drive, the Friends sought to demonstrate that even the smallest of contributions makes a tangible difference.  This group also co-sponsored events including two Final Perks and three sold out historical neighborhood bus tours led by Librarian Emeritus, Jim Heintze, during Parents and Alumni Weekend.

In May, the Friends hosted a successful event at the Katzen Arts Center which included a tour of the music library and tour of current exhibits in the museum.  Interim Provost Ivy Broder was in attendance and spoke about the continued importance of supporting the library, the centrality of the institution in the campus community and the excitement for Bill Mayer, the new University Librarian.  Jack Rasmussen, Director and Head Curator at the AU Museum, then took the group on a lively tour of several current exhibitions. 

Thank You

Our success continues to be one of individual commitment.  Each individual Friend makes his or her own decision to support the University and the library, and together we are doing so in record number.  Thank you for your continued support and growing generosity.

In addition, the steering committee extends a special thank you to Diana Vogelsong, who as Acting University Librarian guided us and provided invaluable support in making the year a huge success.  We greatly appreciate her counsel over the past year, and look forward to receiving similar guidance from Bill Mayer, the new University Librarian, as we move forward.

Sincerely,

Tom Jacobson
Chair of the Steering Committee
Friends of the American University Library