How to Raise Money with a Friends of the Library Group

Most public libraries have a Friends group. They supplement the library's budget and staff by raising money and recruiting volunteers. Here are ways a Friends group can make money.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. If the library isn't already promoting memorial books, start a memorial books program. Prepare a flyer that encourages people to donate money to purchase books in memory of their loved ones. See the link below for an example of this.

2. 

   Arrange for vending machines in the library's lobby or a break room. Soda machines and candy machines provide a steady income. The vending machine company should give a percentage to the Friends group.

3. 

   Lease or purchase coin-operated or card-operated copy machines for the library. Get bids to find the most cost effective deal that will provide steady income. Be sure the machine is user friendly for easy operation by the public and has enough features for staff use. Provide the staff with a bypass key for free use of the machine.

4. 

   Solicit book donations for the library. Allow the library first choice of the materials to add to the collection. Sell the rest of the donations online, or from a book cart or special shelving in the library. Some Friends of the Library groups run a used bookstore in the library. This requires quite a bit of space and many volunteers. Other friends groups hold an annual or semi-annual book sale.

5. 

   Sell diskettes and flash drives to library computer users. Often these can be sold by the circulation staff on behalf of the Friends. There are vending machines for selling pencils, pens, notepads and other student needs.

6. The Friends' membership dues provide income. When sending out the annual membership renewal, include different levels of membership. This encourages donations on an annual basis.
   EXAMPLE:
   $5 Student
   $25 Bibliophile
   $40 Family
   $100 Bronze Book Collector
   $250 Silver Book Collector
   $500 Gold Book Collector
   $1,000 Platinum Book Collector
   Membership benefits can include 10% off in the used bookstore or other incentive to join.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with the library director before setting up any income producing projects. They may conflict with their activities and plans.

Resources

• Booksale tips from FOL-USA
• Fundraising ideas from Friends of the Library - USA
• Sample memorial book form

[kcmc22]

on 1/29/2009 Very good ideas on fundraising! 5*

[gailM]

on 1/27/2009 I'm glad a group like that can do some positive things. With your list they could do more than just have a yearly book sale.