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Hamilton-Wenham Public Library was the setting on September 17 for a Brown Bag Discussion on Implementing LSTA Grants. NMRLS libraries receiving grants in fiscal 2003 met with those just beginning projects for fiscal 2004. There were lots of ideas to share, especially about past and future Customer Service grants. Thank you to Jim McShane at Hamilton-Wenham for arranging for meeting space.

Advocacy, marketing, and defining ourselves as librarians were the hot topics in the first of a three session series called Best and Worst of Times Survival Toolkit Series for Youth Services. This session called "Getting the Word Out" was held at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers on September 22. Our thanks to the Danvers staff for hosting and providing refreshments. The next session "Managing in Lean Times" will be held in January.

The first in a five session Library Media Specialist Discussion series was held on September 30 at the Methuen High School. Collaborating with teachers was the primary topic but marketing, collection development, and administrative support were also enthusiastically discussed. Thanks to Linda Friel for hosting and facilitating discussion and to MSLMA for refreshments! The next Discussion is on November 18. PDPs will be given upon attending the complete series.

Fundraising was the topic of a Directors' Brown Bag discussion September 25. Topics ranged from mail campaigns and brochure design, to trust funds and foundations. Many thanks to Helena Minton and Flint Memorial Library, North Reading, for hosting us.

Thinking about taking on a fundraising campaign? Here are some things to consider when beginning a fundraising campaign:

  • Identify two or three priorities. Base these on your long-range plan.
  • Have a development plan. Set your financial goal.
  • Determine who will lead the project.
  • Decide what type of fundraiser is best for your library's needs.
  • Find the best contacts in your community to help make the campaign a success.
  • Create opportunities for donors.

Fundraising books available in the NMRLS professional collection:

Burlingame, Dwight F., ed. Library Fundraising: Models for Success. Chicago: American Library Association, 1995.

Craft, Mary Anne. The Funding Game: Rules for Public Library Advocacy. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, 1999.

Steele, Victoria and Stephen D. Elder. Becoming a Fundraiser: The Principles and Practice of Library Development. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000.

This InfoTrac Bibliography will link you to articles on various fundraising topics.

Library Fund Raising: A Selected Annotated Bibliography (American Library Association)

Policy Considerations for Public Libraries Accepting Donations (Public Library Association)