Read-A-Thons

Marathons, walk-a-thons, and now read-a-thons are becoming a good way to earn extra money for a worthy cause. Schools have used them as a way to generate funds, and boost literacy, but now libraries are beginning to embrace read-a-thons too. Kids solicit friends, family members and neighbors. They promise to read for a minimum amount of time. For each minute/hour that a child reads, money will be donated. Children not only feel like they are contributing to their library, but they also get to improve their reading skills. If anyone has participated in a successful event, I would love to hear about your ideas, pros and cons, etc. Xochiquetzal

Book Sales

A library has to weed their collection. The books left over, if not in horrible condition, can be sold for minimal price at an annual or semi-annual book sale. Thus you get money for old books that can be spent on new books. Patrons also get the joy of buying cheap books. I for one loved going to my local library's booksale as a kid. It is a win-win. This is also a great way to make use of donations that do not fit your collection or you already have copies of. ~ Beag

Birthday Books

One way to generate more funds for your library, is to start a Birthday Book program. In lieu of gifts, a patron can ask for money to be donated to the library in the child's name. A special book plate is put in the book with the birthday boy/girl's name inscribed in it. One can request books be bought in a certain subject area, or they can leave that decision up to the librarian. It's a win-win situation because the library receives more funds for book buying and the kids get to see their name in print. To publicize your program, you can print up a colorful flyer with all the information the donor would need.-Xochiquetzal