Local libraries are so much more than just a place to check out books: They offer community engagement, classes, tutoring, educational resources, internet access, tax assistance, help with job hunting, resume-building, and more.
The library is open to everyone, regardless of status, income, housing, or disability, and it doesn’t cost money to be there. But it does require support to keep it that way — and governments aren’t always eager to provide it.
That’s where Friends of the Library nonprofits step in, helping their local libraries by raising funds, providing volunteers, grantwriting, community outreach, advocacy, supporting legislation that benefits libraries, and more.
Libraries count on these Friends of the Library nonprofits to help them stay open, and, in turn, the nonprofits count on their insurance provider for the coverage they need to stay open themselves.
So, what do these library advocacy nonprofits need most from their insurance?
We talked with several Friends of the Library nonprofits about what they need most from their insurance coverage — and how that coverage helps them be able to continue supporting the services of their local libraries.
In their own words…
Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library (Oakland, CA)
“We encourage people with unwanted tools to donate them, keeping the tools out of landfills.
We hold tool sales twice each month (weather and volunteer workforce permitting) to put rescued tools back in circulation and, by selling the tools at bargain prices, make them easily accessible.
With activities like the Junior Carpenters’ Club workshops, we introduce young people to tools and show them how to use tools safely.
With money raised through tool sales, we provide support for the Oakland Tool Lending Library when they need a tool or have a project that isn’t in their budget.
Using parts we purchase, one of our volunteers does much of the repair and maintenance work on the Tool Library’s heavily used inventory of over 5,000 tools.”
— Jack R. Soares, President, Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library
San Ramon Library Foundation (San Ramon, CA)
“The San Ramon Library Foundation’s mission is to support the two libraries in San Ramon, California. Our all-volunteer board and staff raises funds through memberships, book sales at our foundation’s bookstore, various special book sales throughout the year, such as our Mega Book Sale and Holiday Book Sale, and through fundraising efforts such as Giving Tuesday and other fundraiser events.”
— Shah Pedersoli, Fundraising Director & Co-President, San Ramon Library Foundation
Friends of the Lodi Public Library (Lodi, CA)
“The mission of the Friends of the Lodi Public Library is to promote the library. We provide financial support for services, programs, and the needs of staff and patrons. We operate a used bookstore at the library as our main source of revenue. We fund programs the library provides for residents at no cost. We also attend public events and library events to promote the library.”
— Elisa Moberly, Treasurer, Friends of the Lodi Public Library
Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library (Redondo Beach, CA)
“Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library is dedicated to supporting the library as the center of the community and getting books into patrons’ hands. The summer reading program and adult programs are all funded by the Friends. We have a shop where people may donate used books, then others may make a donation and take books home to keep!”
— Mary Simun, President, Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library
What did these Friends of the Library nonprofits need most from their insurer?
Affordable, nonprofit-specific coverage.
“Our nonprofit needed needed insurance that was low cost and focused on nonprofits.”
— Jack R. Soares, Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library
Quality service.
“Our library foundation needed an insurer that provided affordability and service.”
— Shah Pedersoli, San Ramon Library Foundation
Coverage that doesn’t break the budget.
“When Friends of the Lodi Public Library needed insurance, we needed Directors & Officers insurance, and cost was the biggest factor.”
— Elisa Moberly, Friends of the Lodi Public Library
A responsive insurance provider.“It can be a bit challenging for a nonprofit because we don’t fit the traditional mold of a business, so we needed an insurance provider that was responsive to our unique needs as a nonprofit.”
— Mary Simun, Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library
How did these Friends of the Library nonprofits hear about NIA?
Years of nonprofit experience.
“Before I retired, I worked for 40 years as a fundraiser for several San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits. When FOTLL decided to leave its longtime fiscal sponsorship arrangement and become a free-standing 501(c)(3), NIA was the first insurer I thought of.”
— Jack R. Soares, Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library
A search for appropriate insurers.
“Our nonprofit had insurance needs, and that started our search that led us to NIA.”
— Shah Pedersoli, San Ramon Library Foundation
Continuing a partnership.
“A previous board selected NIA for our Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance. A few years ago, we moved our liability insurance to NIA.”
— Elisa Moberly, Friends of the Lodi Public Library
A nonprofit network.
“We heard about NIA through CalNonprofits.”
— Mary Simun, Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library
Since becoming NIA members, how has that relationship helped these Friends of the Library organizations?
Affordable coverage and a forum for nonprofits.
“In addition to its low cost, NIA’s focus on nonprofits and its huge collection of resources — specifically for nonprofits — were very attractive features.
I’m also impressed that NIA encourages nonprofits to share their expertise with one another and provides a forum for that.
An article I wrote on ways small nonprofits can draw more attention to themselves was even published by NIA.”
— Jack R. Soares, Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library
Communication and regular updates.
“Along with NIA’s affordability and service, we like the communication and receiving updates.”
— Shah Pedersoli, San Ramon Library Foundation
Helpful webinars.
“We like the webinars and articles that give advice and information on all aspects of a nonprofit.”
— Elisa Moberly, Friends of the Lodi Public Library
Peace of mind.
“We feel comfortable having a network behind us that understands nonprofit work and needs. Our volunteers in the Friends of the Library Shop feel more safe and secure knowing we have insurance coverage for them while they are at work with us.
Most of our volunteers are of an advanced age, so the chance that injury or illness may occur while at work is higher than with the general population. Insurance gives us peace of mind (and hopefully makes the library and city feel more secure also).”
— Mary Simun, Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library
Friends of the Library nonprofits need an insurer that’s worth checking out.
Why do Friends of the Library organizations prefer NIA as their insurer?
It’s simple: You’re there to support local libraries, NIA is there to support you.
Nonprofits have enough on their plate trying to keep their community library’s doors open, its programs going, and fully staffed. They don’t have time for an insurance provider that’s checked out.
NIA’s team works diligently to provide the coverage Friends of the Library nonprofits need, at a price they can afford, and timely communications, providing insurance they can count on — and some much-needed peace of mind.
