Library Fundraising Ideas: Boosting Support for Your Community Library

Did you know the first completely free, open to the public library was the Boston Public Library founded in 1848? Yes, Ben Franklin had the Benjamin Franklin's Library Company of Philadelphia that was established in 1731 as a lender library, and still is the foundation of the free libraries we often take for granted today, but this library only lent books to its members and was actually a private membership-based library.

It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that public libraries really started popping up all over America. And one of the most important people at this time was Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Carnegie donated millions of dollars to build public libraries across the U.S. His belief was that libraries could help individuals lift themselves out of poverty through education. By the time of his death in 1919, Carnegie had funded the construction of over 1,600 libraries in the U.S. alone.

But it wasn’t until 1956 that the federal government began to take an active role in supporting public libraries. The Library Services Act, passed in 1956, provided federal funds to support state and local library development, especially in rural areas. Then later in 1964, The Public Library Service Act was established further solidifying the role of federal funding in public libraries, ensuring that libraries received financial support to improve services for all citizens.

In the 1990s, the federal government formally recognized the importance of libraries through the creation of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 1996. The IMLS is responsible for administering federal funds to libraries and museums across the U.S., ensuring that libraries remain accessible, up-to-date, and equipped to serve the needs of all communities.

And while the federal government at least tries to keep libraries alive and well, the truth is they give less than 1% of the funds a library needs to survive. To demonstrate just how little funding this amounts to, consider in 2023, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded $266.4 million in grants for 17,454 public libraries in the United States, including central and branch libraries, as well as mobile libraries (bookmobiles).

Do the math and that equates to Each public library receiving approximately $15,263 in funding from the IMLS in 2023. That’s not a lot of money for any enterprise! In fact, libraries would be in a $4.38 billion deficit if relying on government funding alone. This is because the average operating expenses per library is $765,715 up more than 17.00% since 2014 mostly due to staffing expenses, yet library workers are some of the worst paying jobs in America and most don’t even make a living wage.

To make matter worse, between 1995–2018 the share of funding gathered from state governments decreased from 12% to less than 7%. The share received from “other” sources, the federal government, donations, fees, and grants also shrank, from approximately 10% to 7%. Yet there were 174.23 million registered borrowers using public libraries across the States as of 2019, the highest ever. Much of this being digital book borrowing which sadly, is also causing a lot of problems for libraries as the cost for libraries to have rights to a digital copy of a book is often three times the cost of a hardcopy of the same book.

These, and many other reasons, are why libraries need the public’s help more than ever. Libraries are nonprofits and work to bring education and public services to all parts of the country, but it’s getting harder every day. We understand how difficult it can be to run a library and deal with all the costs and funding shortages, which is why we’ve put together our list of some of the most creative library fundraising ideas on the internet.

Understanding Local Library Fundraising Goals

Many libraries rely on fundraising to acquire books and collections, continue with community driven programs and to manage the upkeep of buildings. When libraries launch fundraising campaigns, they are raising the capital needed to enhance their programs and services in order to stay relevant and meet the needs of their communities.

Keeping a library's resources topped up is always a huge undertaking. Libraries always need the latest books, digital resources, and educational tools to stay relevant. Think about it, a community library with up-to-date reading materials and cutting-edge technology can ignite curiosity and learning like nothing else. One of the easiest ways for libraries to raise funds is through public fundraising campaigns in the form of a fundraiser. One donor contribution might buy new computers for a digital literacy program, or help expand a children’s reading collection. It’s all about improving resources that benefit the library’s patrons.

Speaking of the patrons, community engagement is also a top priority for many libraries. After all, libraries aren’t just buildings full of books, they’re vibrant centers for learning, creativity, and connection. In fact, for many people in poorer rural areas, libraries are sometimes the only way for them to have access to a computer, or for the homeless enjoy the safety of a library and get some protection from the hot or cold. A well-funded library is a community hub and should support educational programs, after-school activities, or cultural events as well. They should be seen as far more than just a big building full of books.

But they are buildings, and building need to be maintained and sometimes even expanded. Renovating old buildings, improving accessibility, or creating spaces for group activities are some of the most common reasons libraries decide to create a fundraising event. These costs are often not in the budget, and if the library wants to maintain their facilities correctly, it’s most often accomplished through the generosity of donors and foundations.

In short, library fundraising always align with the real needs of the community in some way. These special places are far more than just buildings and can be the center of a community and a place to make connections and share learning possibilities. All in all, donating to libraries in any form is always beneficial to everyone that enters them.

10 Library Fundraisers

Libraries play an important role in inspiring learning, culture, and community engagement. However, it’s getting more difficult for libraries to secure funding to maintain and expand their services. This is why we’ve created this curated list of 10 solid fundraisers for libraries to raise that much needed capital.

1. Book Sale or Book Fair

Many libraries have large selections of books that either become less relevant, get damaged, or there is simply not a need for them any longer. These books can be sold to help bring in some additional funds. Even a quarter per book can help. And it’s also a great way for book lovers to get a few copies on the cheap! Book sales or book fairs are a great way to help the community while also thinning out unneeded titles while raising cash. There easy to do and can be a fun event for everyone.

• How to Do It:
  Organize a weekend sale in a community space or at the library itself. Sort books by genre and price them super affordably so they get sold. You can even offer discounts on bulk purchases to encourage larger sales.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Advertise on social media, local bulletin boards, and community newsletters. Add refreshments or small items (like bookmarks) for sale to help boost revenues even further.

2. Library Membership Drives

Introduce or revamp a membership program for VIPs of the library. People always love to feel special, and enjoy supporting something they feel is important. Creating a special library membership can offer people a way to give and still feel as though they’re receiving as well. There are many perks you can offer them, plus a special library card with VIP printed right on it.

• How to Do It:
  Provide exclusive benefits such as early access to events and special seating, include fine forgiveness days on certain days of the week, or access to members only book recommendations or even first access to new books. Charge a nominal annual fee for membership that is also tax deductible to get people even more interested.
• Maximizing Profit:
  One way with this idea to maximize is creating a tired system of memberships. One membership is $10, but if you go up a tier to $20 they get even more perks or first choice of available titles. You may even include free access to additional programs your library charges for.

3. Read-a-thons

Read-a-thons are similar to walk-a-thons, or any ‘thon’ in the way people get someone to pledge money for completing a task. For this task you can do something like have a donor pledge one dollar for every book someone reads for a specified number of days or even weeks. Encourage community members, especially children and teens, to participate in a sponsored reading challenge. They do all the work asking friends and neighbors to sponsor them, and your library reaps the rewards as well as readers!

• How to Do It:
  Set a time frame (e.g., a month) where participants track their reading. Donors pledge a specific amount for each book or hour read and at the end of the month they tally their results.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Partner with schools or churches to involve individuals and promote friendly competition. Offer prizes for top readers or for the most funds raised.

4. Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships are a great way to engage local businesses to sponsor library programs or events. Local businesses are always interested in getting their goods and services in front of people in their target community. Giving sponsors recognition for their good will as well as having the opportunity to advertise directly to their target consumers is often a true motivator for them getting involved in any form.

• How to Do It:
  Reach out to businesses with a sponsorship package highlighting the benefits, such as public recognition, branding opportunities, or tax benefits. This can be for goods or services that can be auctioned off, sold or raffled off to raise money. Or you can simply ask for a donation.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Target businesses aligned with education and literacy, like bookstores or tutoring centers although any type of business can be beneficial. Offer tiered sponsorship levels to attract a wide range of contributors.

5. Host a Library Fundraising Idea

Organize events like trivia nights, storytelling sessions, or author talks. Events that include famous authors or speakers have even more profit potential and can really make an impact. Especially if it’s an author and you can partner with a book sale for a part of the sale, then have the author read and offer to sign each guests book.

• How to Do It:
  Select activities that appeal to your community’s interests. Sell tickets or charge entry fees. For example, a trivia night could have an entry fee per team, with small prizes for the winners.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Seek event sponsors to cover costs and attract a larger audience by promoting through local influencers or media. Whenever possible, find activities or persons that can be a big draw for your community.

6. Online Crowdfunding Campaigns

Leverage platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to reach supporters beyond your local area is also a great idea. Going digital for a library doesn’t just mean having the latest titles on PDF. The virtual world is a way to reach people across the globe. It’s also a great way to reach people that no longer live in the community but want to still support when and where they can.

• How to Do It:
  Create a compelling campaign page with a clear goal like a new wing or the ability to acquire a special or rare collection of books. Include personal stories of people enjoying the library’s services with stories and visuals that also demonstrate the library's impact.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Regularly update donors on your progress and show exactly how their funds will be used. Share the campaign on social media and email newsletters and ask others to share as well.

7. Naming Opportunities

Andrew Carnegie loved creating libraries, and his name is on many. This is where you can get some very large donations from all sorts of people that would love to have a library room, collection, or resource named in their honor or someone close to them. It could even be a corporation that wants to show good will in their community, so think outside the box on this one.

• How to Do It:
  Develop a list of naming opportunities, such as study rooms, computer stations, or even seating areas then decide what sort of donation levels would be feasible on both parts.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Market this opportunity to wealthier individuals, community leaders, or local philanthropists who are passionate about literacy and their legacy.

8. Library Merchandise Sales

As a nonprofit library, you can still create and sell merchandise. This can be anything from library-branded items such as tote bags, coffee mugs, or bookmarks. Practically anything that has to do with reading or even studying. People like showing their support for places like libraries, and using a library branded coffee cup at work does just that, and brings awareness to your library.

• How to Do It:
  Partner with a local printer or use an online service like Printify. Sell items during events, on the library’s website, or at the front desk.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Design merchandise that appeals to book lovers, such as tote bags with literary quotes. Bundle items together for holiday sales.

9. Grant Applications

Apply for grants specifically geared toward library services or community enrichment. There are many grants around that are awarded to individuals and institutions on a local and state level that you may not be aware of. These grants can also be used for buildings that are historical, or hold cultural significance in the community. There are even grants for preserving culturally significant items and documents. Think outside of the box on this one to reap as many grants as possible.

• How to Do It:
  Research foundations or government programs offering library focused grants or grants that compliment your specific circumstances. Tailor each application to highlight the library’s unique role in the community and highlight any cultural significance.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Focus on grants with higher funding caps and ensure applications are professional and detailed, backed by data and success stories. If possible, hire a professional grant writer to speed up the process and make sure your applications are filled out correctly.

10. Adopt-a-Book Program

Adopt-a-Book programs can be a great way to acquire new materials without the costs associated with them. Ask patrons to purchase a book and then donate it to your library. You can honor their donation by entering in the book that it was donated by so and so. This is an easy way to get new books and make someone feel special.

• How to Do It:
  Create a catalog of books the library is in need of with their associated costs. Recognize donors with a personalized bookplate, a shout out on your social media pages or a simple thank-you note.
• Maximizing Profit:
  Include special editions or popular titles to attract more donors. Publicize the program during holidays or special library events.

By implementing these fundraising strategies, libraries can not only raise essential funds but also deepen their connection with the community they serve. The key to success is tailoring each initiative to your library's unique audience while showcasing the impact every dollar makes.

Leveraging Digital Platforms for Library Fundraising

Digital platforms are a great resource for libraries looking to raise funds. Online methods give you a broader reach and attract an extremely diverse donor base. Social media, email marketing, and crowdfunding are just a few of the ways to not only reach a larger pool of potential donors, but automate many of the processes freeing up valuable resources.

Social Media for Fundraising

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are excellent for promoting your fundraising to the entire world instantly. It’s easier than ever with tools like AI for nonprofits and a host of others to write engaging posts with clear calls to action, such as “Donate to support our digital library initiatives today!” You can share visuals such as photos or videos showing how someone’s donation can make s real impact. You can take this further by using polls, live events, or fundraising challenges to increase participation.

Email Marketing for Donations

Email campaigns are still as important as ever when it comes to marketing and bringing awareness to a cause. And the best part is the entire process can be automated. Combining an email tool with a platform like Paybee gives you a massive marketing advantage and a way to reach all of your supporters in a systematic way. And creating impactful emails is a snap with tools like ChatGPT. Just be sure to highlight your specific needs in your emails such as purchasing new books, upgrading technology, or funding programs for underserved communities and include links to donation platforms like PayBee or GoFundMe in the email.

Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe can really help simplify your online fundraising.. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces for creating donation campaigns and can be set up in just a few minutes. The strategy is the same as social media, share compelling stories that resonate with potential donors. For example, explain how a specific contribution can provide new resources for students or improve digital access for readers.

Tips for Effective Online Fundraising

• Set clear goals: Define how much you aim to raise and explain its purpose.
• Use visuals: Photos and videos increase emotional engagement and donor trust.
• Encourage sharing: Ask supporters to share the campaign on their own social media profiles.
• Provide updates: Keep donors informed about progress and achievements through posts or emails.

By leveraging digital tools, you can create impactful campaigns that reach a global audience instantly. And with a nonprofit platform like Paybee you can track your performance so you can constantly tweak what your doing in order to make your campaigns even more profitable over time.

Wrapping Up

It would be great if libraries were fully funded by governments and grants, but that’s simply not the case. They all too often need extra funds just to stay current and fully functional. But with the help of fundraising and the kindness of donors, it’s possible to raise extra funds with community support and action. And with our 10 ideas, you should have no trouble finding aone that fits your goals perfectly.

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