7 Engaging Library Fundraiser Ideas

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to spice up your local library’s fundraising efforts? No matter if you’re a school library, a public library, or library foundation, the following unique library fundraising ideas are sure to stir up some charity in your community.

Tried-and-True Fundraising Events for Libraries

1. Afterschool Reading Clubs

Bring the students in for some recreational reading after school hours. There’s a ton of variation on what you can do with your reading club:

  • Pick out fun selections for different grades and organize discussions with groups
  • Have a dedicated story time where older students read stories to younger students

A small membership fee provides a safe environment for students of parents that work later and sparks an early love for reading.

2. Community Book Clubs

Foster a lifelong love of reading with an adult-only book club. A small membership fee groups adult readers with book selections, allowing for open discussion once a week. This fun event will bring a community of readers together at your local library.

3. Read-a-Thons

A fun spin on the popular marathon model, a read-a-thon is a fundraising strategy that gets donors flipping pages as opposed to moving their feet. This type of fundraiser initiative works by collecting pledges from sponsors for every certain number of pages or books read.

What’s great about read-a-thons is that they engage bookworms as well as local businesses, such as local restaurants, who can sign up for sponsorships.

4. Book Readings and Signings

Invite local or regional authors for a book reading and signing at your location. It’s an exceptional way to help upcoming writers get their names out there or help promote established author’s upcoming books. Simply collect entry fees and percentages on autographs to help fund your library. You can supplement signings and entry fees by selling other products, such as specialty bookmarks.

5. Themed Book Baskets

Get creative! Dress up some well-aged, donated library books with themed candies and prizes, package them all together in a fun way, and sell them to family and friends of the library. They make great gifts for holidays, special occasions, or just because you feel like giving. Plus, these gift baskets can be made for next to nothing while generating plenty of funds for your library.

These gift baskets can be sold directly at your check-out counter or they can be part of a silent auction event.

6. Used Book Sales

Sometimes a library collection needs to be downsized. Maybe there are too many copies of a single book. Maybe the current book is too worn and needs replacing with a new book. Whatever the reason, many libraries have lots of materials that no longer have a place in their current collection.

If that sounds like your library, make use of those extra books by hosting a used book sale, where community members can purchase these used books. This fundraising campaign not only gives old books a new home, but it generates money for your organization as well.

7. Commemorative Brick Fundraising Events

Show appreciation for your patrons by building them right into your library. With a memorial brick campaign, each donation allows your donors to customize a brick that will be used in the construction of a new walkway, library labyrinth, library fairy garden, or outdoor learning center that stands for generations as a reminder of the generosity of your community. It’s a truly distinct way to raise money and bring the local community together.

Library Fundraising FAQs

Support your local library with genuinely fun fundraising events like:

  • Afterschool reading clubs
  • Community book clubs
  • Read-a-thons
  • Book readings and signings
  • Themed book basket sales
  • Used book sales
  • Memorial brick fundraisers

Some great ways to attract people to your school or local library are to:

  • Host free events for families, such as a kid-friendly story time
  • Use social media to catch people’s attention online
  • Partner with local artists by hosting book signings and readings
  • Offer free classes and workshops, such as financial literacy basics for older adults
  • Host an adults-only book club

In short, the best way to attract more people to the library is to truly cultivate a sense of community, offering a safe place for community members to relax, learn, and engage with each other.

Leave a Lasting Impression with Fundraising Brick

A memorial brick fundraiser allows your donors to literally become a piece of your library’s campus, strengthening the connection your library has to the larger community. At Fundraising Brick and our sister organization, Ceramica, you get high-quality custom bricks that are designed to last a lifetime. That means your donors get to leave a lasting reminder of their generosity, one that will stretch generations and inspire future patrons—much like the very books your library houses.

Contact Fundraising Brick by phone at 855-BRICKS4U (855-958-0516) or online to start your own one-of-a-kind library fundraiser.

Get Inspired by Past Library Fundraising Events

Get inspired by other libraries that have partnered with Fundraising Brick in the past, and see the types of amazing installations you can create thanks to your donors’ generosity.