The Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL) is a non-profit organization consisting of local Friends groups, organizations and individual members who believe that libraries are an essential resource for the citizens of our State.

Founded in 1979 FOCL now includes over 100 local Friends groups, organizations such as the Connecticut Library Association and the Association of Connecticut Library Boards, various book sellers and many individual members.

Our Board of Directors consists of representatives of local Friends from across Connecticut. Each year at our annual meeting we honor outstanding Friends, hear from local authors and conduct a bit of business.  

Mission statement

Friends of Connecticut Libraries is a statewide support group whose members believe libraries are essential. FOCL exists to promote library enrichment by helping Friends groups support their libraries through education, advocacy, training and resources.

Vision statement

Friends of Connecticut Libraries is dedicated to helping Connecticut residents realize their full potential. Lives are enriched through a lifelong relationship with ideas, art, literature, information and technology. Through FOCL’s efforts, Friends groups will help support their libraries, thereby enhancing the cultural, educational and career opportunities available to Connecticut residents. Friends of Libraries groups will become a real force to be reckoned with.

Core values

• Communication: to share our goals and values with all and welcome their ideas
• Support: to provide quality resources and training in a timely manner
• Leadership: to advocate for libraries and Friends of Libraries groups, anticipating and understanding their needs and striving to meet them with integrity
• Teamwork: to work together with others, reflecting and celebrating our differences and showing a willingness to be flexible
• Satisfaction: to thoughtfully accomplish something meaningful and have fun at the same time
• Equality: The Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL) prohibits illegal discrimination against or by its members on the basis of an individual's race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by the law. FOCL Board members and their agents who engage in illegal discriminatory conduct shall be warned, disciplined, up to and including removal from the FOCL Board. Any person who becomes aware of such discrimination, whether directed at themselves or not, should report such discrimination to the President or Vice President of the FOCL Board.

Board of Directors