Library Fundraising Ideas

Libraries are an invaluable resource for schools and communities. Many libraries hold a fundraiser to improve the facilities, purchase books, computerizing old systems, and developing multi-media rooms and specialized programs. Fundraising can be challenging, how do you make sure your next fundraiser is a success?

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. In Idaho, Wine and books, cupcakes and paintings, and a crowd of approximately 200 people gathered at the Glacier Presbyterian Center the annual wine tasting and auction for the West Shore Community Library. In Tomah, WI, Friends of the Library constructed a “book tree” to celebrate the holiday season and promote its annual Christmas silent auction and fundraiser. Books from the tree were among the many items that were sold during the fundraiser. Fundraisers by other Libraries include book sales, miniature golf tournaments, spare change collections, dinners, crossword puzzle contests, raffles, auctions, and gold jewelry parties.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next library fundraiser.

You can also choose from a wide variety of library DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about an Adult Spelling Bee, Crock Pot Cook-off, Make Believe Tea Party, Santa Letter, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your library fundraiser.

Stay Home/Read a Book – The Simi Valley Public Library Foundation held a “Stay at Home and Read a Book” Fundraiser. The idea was for interested parties to donate to the foundation and then just quietly follow what the fundraiser’s name suggests. Usually you have to get all dressed up for a fundraiser and the restaurant that you hold it at gets a share of the money raised. Read more…

Literacy Day – For 90 minutes, the halls of Westlake Middle School in Broomfield, Colorado, fell silent as everyone — students, teachers, and custodians — settled down with a good book for a fundraiser. The school celebrated a full day of literacy with special guest readers, reading games, literacy activities in each class and a full 90 minutes of uninterrupted reading. Read more…

Indoor Mini Golf Tournament – The image of the library in Bridgewater, MA as a quiet, calm environment was put on hold as golfers putted along between the stacks of books, aiming for a hole-in-one. The Bridgewater Public Library was converted into a miniature golf course for the day as a fundraiser and to attract attention for the institution. Read more…