Friends of the Library records

Collection

Identifier: OU-ADM-FRIENDSLIB

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

The Friends of the Library records provide significant insight into the activities of the Friends of the Library, especially their most famous fundraising event, the Glyndebourne Picnics, as well as the history of Kresge Library in the 1962-1997 period. The collection is organized in four series: the Administrative Files, Subject Files, the Glyndebourne Picnics, and Publicity. The Administrative Files series contains the foundational documents of the Friends as well as the records of the Board of Directors. The Subject Files series includes background research materials about fundraising and outreach for libraries, used by the Friends for inspiration. The Glyndebourne Picnic series contains attendees lists, planning documents, memorabilia and other materials generated by the organizers. It is organized chronologically. The Publicity series consists mostly of programs and publications as well as newspaper clippings documenting the press coverage of the Glyndebourne Picnics.

Dates

1962 - 1997

Access and use note

The records of the Friends of the Library are open for research.

Copyright

History

The Friends of the Library was founded in 1961 as an association of library suporters interested in increasing and making better known the resources of Kresge library at Oakland University. The association sponsored fund-raising events including lectures, receptions and book sales. Their most spectacular fundraiser was the Glyndebourne Picnic. It was fashioned after the elegant picnics held between acts of the Glyndebourne Opera at Glyndebourne Elizabethan house near the site of the summer opera festival in Lewes, England. The Friends organized a Glyndebourne Picnic from 1968-1976 and again yearly after 1982.

Extent

8 Linear Feet (6 full-size cartons; oversize posters)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of the Friends of the Library (1962-1997), an association of library supporters interested in increasing and making better known the resources of Kresge library at Oakland University. The association sponsored fundraising events including lectures, receptions and book sales. Their most spectacular fundraiser was the Glyndebourne Picnic.