If high schools don’t have enough money, their libraries might not be able to provide everything students need for learning and enjoyment. Effective fundraising can help bridge that gap and support your library so it can thrive.
You can take many approaches, such as partnering with local businesses or organizing book fairs. Here are seven ideas that have worked well for other high school libraries—any of them could work for yours!
Book fairs can bring in a lot of money for high school libraries – and they’re fun, too! To set one up, pick a date and a space in your school where you can hold it (like the library or cafeteria).
Ask publishers, local bookshops, and even authors if they want to team up with you for the event. You could also think about having different types of book fairs on topics such as science fiction or graphic novels. That way, more people might be interested, including teachers and students.
To facilitate the collection of funds at the book fair, you can arrange for cash registers or digital payment systems to be installed at multiple checkout locations. Make sure that prices are clearly visible, along with any applicable sales or deals. This can help motivate people to buy.
You might think about having a raffle or offering discounts on purchases of more than one item as incentives – potentially increasing how much money you bring in. Of course, it’s important to keep any revenue generated secure and track it diligently during the entire event!
If high school libraries would like to get financial backing from a vast online audience, they could consider using crowdfunding campaigns. To run a campaign that works, begin by picking a well-known crowdfunding platform such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe.
Create an effective campaign page stating exactly what the library requires – maybe funds for renovation work, new computers, or e-book subscriptions. To draw in donors, consider including engaging stories about how students stand to gain from these resources.
To raise funds, the library could advertise the campaign on social media, in email newsletters, and through word-of-mouth to reach more people. They should keep everyone up-to-date with how much money has been raised so far – and say thank you for any donations made.
If supporters are encouraged to tell their friends about the fundraiser, too, this could help it reach even more people (and bring in more money!). For instance, they could explain how new computers will improve research or that extra e-book subscriptions mean students can read even more books online.
High school libraries can attain funding from local businesses and community organizations through sponsorships or grants. Identify potential sponsors who have values and goals similar to those of your library.
Develop a convincing sponsorship proposal that outlines why it would be in their best interest to support your library – for example, name recognition or promotional opportunities.
Reach out to potential sponsors with tailored emails or phone calls explaining how their funds can make a difference for students.
After you have verbal confirmation, provide sponsors with a contract detailing the amount pledged and what they will get back (such as their name on signage at a book nook sponsored by them).
With strategic use of these techniques, high school libraries can supplement their budgets with outside money while also creating relationships likely to pay dividends down the road.
If you want to make money for your high school library while having fun, consider putting together a literacy-themed event. Start by deciding what type of event you’d like—a read-a-thon, writing contest, or author visit, for example. Next, get the word out there so you get lots of participants and sponsors who will donate money.
For instance, if you go with a read-a-thon, students can ask people to sponsor them and pledge to give a certain amount of cash for every book they read within an agreed timeframe.
Likewise, with a writing contest, contestants can get sponsors on board who agree to chip in based on either word count or how good the piece is judged to be.
If authors are more your thing (or seem that way to potential donors) why not sell tickets? Students, as well as members of the public, might pay to come along.
You can raise funds for the high school library’s needs by using online platforms such as crowdfunding websites or by setting up donation booths at your event. Don’t forget to thank participants and sponsors for their support in both promoting literacy and helping to fundraise!
Alumni networking events are a great way to bring former students back to their old school and get them excited about supporting the library. To organize an event like this, reach out to alumni over social media, through email newsletters, or with personal invites.
By hosting your event in the library itself, you can show attendees the direct impact donations have – plus, it’ll feel nostalgic for them, too!
You might want to offer tours of the library during your event so guests can see for themselves how things have changed (or stayed the same) since they left high school.
Depending on what’s going on at your library right now, you could also put together special presentations about upcoming projects that will make it clear why support from alumni is critical.
To facilitate donations on such occasions, provide collection boxes or envelopes for guests who want to contribute in person. It may also be worth setting up an online donation system, as well as including a link to donate electronically in any emails you send out afterward.
High school libraries could use relationships with former students to help raise money in this way, using events that bring alumni together as an opportunity to ask for cash towards new books or a refurbishment.
Establishing a store or café inside your library can make for an inviting space—and bring in some cash flow. Start by carving out space for the café/store and investing in basics like shelving for products, a microwave, and a coffee maker.
Develop a menu with snacks, beverages (including coffee!), and items branded to your school. To keep this approach sustainable, enlist students as volunteers to run things during free periods or after school.
Think about offering special deals or events—like discount Tuesdays or live music on Fridays—to draw more customers, too!
To get paid for items or food people buy from your business, you’ll need a safe cash register system. Keep good records of every sale so you know how much money you’re making, and check regularly to see if there’s anything you’re selling at a loss.
Make it easy for customers to pay by accepting not just cash but also card payments and mobile money. Think about using an app like PayPal or Alipay. Ask people what they think of your café or store – sometimes they’ll come up with ideas that haven’t occurred to you, which would be great!
Adopt-a-book or dedication programs can help involve the community in backing their secondary school library. To set up this scheme, draw up a list of books or materials people can adopt by donating a set sum.
You could also offer different types of dedications depending on the amount given – for example, a bookplate with the donor’s name for larger contributions.
In order to collect funds, the library can establish a specific donation box or an online fundraising page for secure payments. Events or campaigns could also be held to promote the Adopt-A-Book program and encourage donations.
For example, highlighted books in need of adoption could be showcased during parent-teacher conferences, or a social media campaign might be organized to raise awareness.
Overall, adopt-a-book or dedication programmes offer individuals a personalised and meaningful way to back their local high school library – while honouring loved ones or celebrating special occasions at the same time.
It is crucial that high school libraries raise funds in an effective manner so they can continue to provide students the resources and help they need.
By employing innovative methods—such as Adopt-A-Book drives, book fairs, and partnerships with local businesses—they can secure the necessary funding. Getting the community involved may also generate enthusiasm and backing.
With proper planning and effort, high school libraries will be well-equipped to foster in students a love of reading and learning for many years to come!
