The Office of Commonwealth Libraries, along with PCBL and PaLA, invite all Trustees and Friends board members to our annual Institute for Trustees and Friends, held on either April 11 and 12 at the Four Points Sheraton, Pittsburgh North (in Mars) or on April 25 and 26 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey (in Grantville).

The theme this year is "Trustees and Friends Together: Transforming Motivation into Action". Michael Kumer, Executive Director of the Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University, will set the tone at the beginning of the Institute, with his keynote address "Convention Intention Keepin' It Real: Motivate Your Board and Friends." At the end of the Institute, Trustees and Friends will join him again in a planning session that will allow participants to reflect upon what was learned in the Institute and to put the ideas into an action plan.

A variety of programs will be offered, including programs on the roles of Friends and Trustees, fundraising ideas, financial planning, marketing, green construction and others. This is a good opportunity, also, to network with other library Trustee boards across the state and to learn what other boards are doing to improve their libraries.

The educational opportunity is offered free of charge to Trustees or Friends, and includes an overnight stay and meals.

You should receive a brochure and registration form in the mail. If you have not received one, please contact your local library director, as all library directors will also receive a copy. For further information, contact Bonnie Young, Head, Public Libraries and Professional Development at the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, at (717) 783-5732.