Spring is the time of year for library fundraisers in Northeast Pennsylvania. The season kicked off on March 5 at Tunkhannock Public Library

with “The Perfect Pair,” a wine and beer tasting event featuring six wines and six beers paired with specific hor d’oeuvres complimenting the beverages perfectly.  The library was decorated with white lights; white tablecloths were spread over the bookcases; food was arranged on tables and bookcases; a chocolate fountain bubbled, and live music played softly in the background.  There were raffle prizes, silent auction items and a live auction featuring a yellow and chocolate diamond necklace.  It was a fun evening.  The tickets were $35 per person.

On April 2, Hawley Library had their 2nd Annual Book Lover’s Ball at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center on Lake Wallenpaupack in Wayne County.  The “First Chapter” hor d’oeuvres are from Italy, France, China, Mexico and Poland.  Then the “Main Plot” is served buffet style with international dishes, and the “Conclusion” is a 50th Anniversary theme cake for the library. The festive evening included a silent auction and dancing.  The tickets were $40 per person or $75 per couple.

April 16 is Library Auction Night at Susquehanna County Library

in Montrose.  This year marks their 13th annual auction of art, antiques, collectibles, special baskets, jewelry, extraordinary desserts, gift certificates, furniture, event tickets, and many more useful, fun, and unique items.  The dinner is a Summer Barbeque, and tickets are only $8 for dinner and a full evening’s entertainment.

Wayne County Library in Honesdale has their 4th annual wine tasting, “In Good Taste,” on April 29.  The local Ford dealership empties out its showroom and lets the library decorate it for the event, and it looks spectacular.  You wouldn’t know you were in a car dealership.  This year’s event has a South American theme and wines.  It is a fun evening with delicious food, fine wine, and lots of great raffle prizes.  Tickets are $28.

Another fun fundraiser is  Susquehanna County Library’s Author Luncheon on May 18.  This will be their 3rd annual luncheon, and this year’s author is nationally known writer Amy Dickinson, author of the New York Times best-seller The Mighty Queens of Freeville, columnist (“Ask Amy”), and NPR personality (Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, Talk of the Nation).  The event will be a sit-down lunch at the Summit Restaurant in New Milford, and there are always unique raffle prizes.  Tickets are $25.

As you can see there is a range of events and ticket prices.  Libraries charge what they think their community will support, and they couldn’t have these fundraisers without the support of their community.  The board of trustees plays a very important part in fundraisers because without the hard work of the board, most successful fundraisers wouldn’t happen.   The libraries also get sponsors for their fundraisers, and these are the people and businesses who go the second mile with their support.   It truly takes a “Library Community” to make a successful library fundraiser.

Michelle said that they adapted one of the letters for their business fundraiser and, in a little over a week, had more donations than the preveious year.  She said that a board members or friend of the library personally signs each letter corresponding to a business owner they personally know or with whom they conduct business. 

What great site would you like to share?

Philanthropy Today is asking non-profits across the country to share how their year-end fundraising appeal fared.  If you’d like to participate go to their survey.    Or…..

You may want to discuss your fundraiser efforts and results with PA librarians on WebJunction!  Click the Discussion Tab at WebJunctionPA’s Funding Resources page.