Prior to the formation of FOLA, a Friends Sub-Committee of the Library Promotion Committee of Victoria (LPCV) was established in 1987 by Daniel Ferguson. Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA) was officially launched on the 9th of December 1994 by Justice Michael Kirby AC, SMG at the State Library of Victoria. On that occasion Daniel Ferguson, newly appointed Executive Officer, outlined the aims of FOLA as follows:

1. To encourage and assist the formation and development of Friends of Libraries groups in Australia;
2. To promote the development of excellent libraries services for all Australians;
3. To provide a representative voice for Friends of Library groups;
4. To promote public awareness of the existence of Library groups and the services and support they provide.

Since then FOLA has indefatigably pursued its objectives and through good and not so good times has remained consistent to its ideals, has constructively adapted to social changes, and has also embraced innovation.

Please download and read the reports tabled at the AGM 2021 by FOLA’s President Jack Goodman and by Executive Director, Daniel Ferguson, because they eloquently illustrate and highlight the latest development in the life of our organization.
You may not have realised it but as Friends of Balmain Library all of you are valued members of the larger family the Friends of Libraries Australia.

If you are interested to pursue the FOLA initiative and to hold a backyard cricket match to raise funds for our own library or for rural libraries, please contact us. Equally if you would like to join the FOBL committee we would be very happy. Please email me at info@fobl.org.au .