Friends of Alexander M. Bracken Library

On May 14, 1977, a small group met in the Forum Room of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center and officially launched the Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library. The first Board of Governors consisted of a mix of Friends from the University community as well as the Muncie and Delaware County community, a tradition that continues today. The first Friends newsletter was published in September, 1977, when membership was just over two hundred.

Each year, the Friends of Bracken Library host an Annual Dinner and Business Meeting, at which the past year's accomplishments are discussed. At this event, the Friends recognize exceptional student employees of the University Libraries with the Student Recognition Award, and guests are entertained by the E. Bruce Kirkham Lecture.

Membership in the Friends consists of people interested in strengthening the university library system, enhancing its collections, and promoting its usefulness. Members support the University libraries through contributions of library materials or financial donations. Currently, the Friends of Alexander M. Bracken Library boasts over 2,700 members from all 50 states and over 40 countries.