Signature Library Fundraisers 1

Signature Library Fundraisers for

Small Public Libraries

Kimberly Litland, Brookfield Public Library

Lynn Elam, Hinsdale Public LibraryNicki Seidl, Evergreen Park Public

Library

The Taste of Brookfield @ Your Library

Annual after-hours food, wine/beer, jazz event;

Unique in that 90% of overhead is donated.




Interest in Marketing the Library

Goals:

Establish an event to be known by;

Create visibility & a new level of consciousness;

Build partnerships.

When: October 2,

2009Time: 6:30 to

9:30 p.m.Where: The

LibraryPurchase $35 tickets at the

Library or via our website:

www.tasteofbrookfield.

com

The taste is coming!

We invite you to join us in experiencing the library like you never

have before.

Silent Auction Items Include:

Sox/Cubs/ Blackhawks tickets

local gift certificates to Brookfield merchants/

theater tickets / zoo passes

& much much more!

The Taste of Brookfield

@ Your Library is an annual benefit for the Friends of the Library’s long-term fundraising fund.

Attendees enjoy :Foods from local merchantsA fantastic silent auction Music by the Ross Hubbell Trio

Creation & Support

By committee, but be selective & strategic;

Limit involvement to a key handful of “growers”.

Getting There / Getting to Yes

A year-long process of planning meetings;

Structured divide & conquer approach in community;

Never attempt the ask alone;

Bring your shoe leather.

ROI Has Never Been in Dollars

Payoff Comes From:

Exposure / wow factor;

Increasing position in community ensures long-term viability;

Relationships trump all.

True Payoffs

Attracting the non-user Library supporter;

Library as economic development tool;

Solidified partnerships with Village departments.

Outcomes & Observations

Other community organizations step-up to compete;

Guaranteed attendance includes community leaders / budding figures / politicians.

Insert a Dash of Politics

Select a star emcee every year.


Opportunity for the Library to demonstrate purposeful neutrality;

Sharpen the event so stakeholders will invite those they’d like to impress.



A Win for Library, Board, and Staff

Creates a sense of empowerment;

Impact on staff workload;

Solicited for community leadership positions.

A Win for Library, Board, and Staff

Documents

Signature Library Fundraisers 1