WELCOME TO THE FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARIES (Registered charity 313020)   The Friends of the National Libraries, a voluntary organisation consisting mainly of individual members, was founded in 1931. Its purpose is to help libraries in the United Kingdom acquire books, manuscripts and archives, in particular those which might otherwise leave this country. Since then, the Friends have helped in the purchase of printed books, manuscripts, records and archives of historical, literary, artistic, architectural, musical or suchlike interest. Libraries which can receive grants include the British Library, the National Libraries of Scotland and Wales and any university, county, local authority and other library, record office, museum or gallery to which the public has access, and which in the opinion of the trustees, constitutes a proper repository for a proposed acquisition. Jane Austen, by her sister Cassandra, c.1810. By courtesy of The National Portrait Gallery, London.   The Friends do this by giving grants for aquisitions by National Libraries which apply for a grant; eliciting and channelling benefactions; and organising appeals and publicity.   Since 1931, the Friends have helped over 150 institutions to acquire thousands of items. You can search our database to find out about our grants from 1931 onwards. There are currently about 750 members, both personal and institutional. We always seek new members to help us in our task. Please join us to help in our work. Members receive an informative annual report which contains articles on all our grants and purchases, and all aspects of the charity’s work. The charity is run by an unpaid committee, a majority of whose members are elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting.