Board Member for the Friends of the Multnomah County Library

FRIENDS OF THE MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY

Serve Your Community & Support Your Library

Join the Friends of the Multnomah County Library Board of Directors

The Friends of the Multnomah County Library (FOL) is currently seeking applications from committed and experienced individuals to serve a three-year term on its Board of Directors. FOL is a non-profit, 501(c)3, volunteer-driven, membership organization with the specific mission to advocate for and support our outstanding public library.

What We Do:

• FOL provides supplemental funding for library programs, services, and special initiatives that would not be possible without our support.
• We advocate for Multnomah County library resources, fostering success in cultivating community, culture, and learning.
• We operate two used bookstores: Rose City Reads (221 NE 122nd Ave) and the Friends Library Store at Central (801 SW 10th Ave).

FOL Board Members:

• Lead and manage the overall operations of the FOL organization.
• Assume an active and vital role in essential leadership functions: strategic planning, finance and budgeting, marketing/community outreach, and advocacy for library programs/services.
• Attend quarterly evening meetings at various library locations (mixture of online and in-person).
• Participate in one or more standing committees: Executive Committee, Marketing/Outreach Committee, Finance Committee, and Nominating Committee (committees meet separately from the quarterly board meetings).
• Volunteer for special in-store and outreach opportunities.
• Maintain an active FOL membership (starting at $25/yr, tax deductible).

Desirable Skills:

• The ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team and community.
• Transferable skills, including human resources, accounting, event planning, membership programming, and general legal assistance.
• Meaningful nonprofit experience or board experience.
• Community and lived experience with outreach, advocacy, or campaigning.
• Experience volunteering for Friends of the Library or related bookstore or retail experience.
• Committed to the transformative power of libraries.

Ready to Join?

Do you have a passion for the Friends of the Library but are unsure if your skills are a fit? We encourage you to apply anyway! We'd love to hear from you if you're interested in the board and believe you have the skills to succeed. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references in a single PDF to nominations@friends-library.org. Applications are due by 4/19/25.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Join us and help write the next chapter of our library’s success story!