Creativity is a must for fundraising a New Berlin Library
NEW BERLIN – Facing increased expenditures while trying to make ends meet is a daunting task for nonprofits, and public libraries are no exception.
Darlene LaBrie, Director of the New Berlin Public Library often finds herself getting crafty to stay in the black.
“We don't have the resources or a lager budget to pull from to keep us going like other larger libraries in the area,” said LaBrie. “So we use our wit and are very resourceful in terms of finding ways to raise funds.”
Recently, LaBrie sent out over 100 canvas letters to novelists and writers across the gamut, seeking donations to auction off as a way to generate some much needed income for the library.
“We really weren't sure what the response would be like,” said LaBrie, “but we were met with an unexpected return from several of the artists.”
The plan was simple. LaBrie wrote a series of popular writers and simply asked if they would each donate one autographed book each. The library will put the books up for bid and will sell them – five at a time – to the highest bidder every two weeks.
“This is a perfect opportunity for Christmas shoppers looking for a unique gift for the reader on their list to find a one of a kind item,” said LaBrie.
Highest bidders will also enjoy the spoils of whatever came with the package, including the envelopes and correspondence associated to that particular book.
“We have some very famous authors in the list,” said LaBrie. “The first five books will be ‘Carthage’ by Joyce Carol Oates, ‘Painter’ by Peter Heller, ‘Last Bride’ by Beverly Lewis, and ‘Shoemaker's Wife’ by Adriana Trigiani,” she said.
“These are all brand new and were signed and given to us by the authors themselves. The winner will get the book along with any material sent with them, such as notes from the author,” said Labrie.
Another way the library is generating funds is by way of its annual Christmas Bazaar.
The yearly event that began on Nov. 3 includes a huge variety of new gift items priced $5 and under – a great deal for bargain hunters.
“The sale runs until Christmas and there are tons of different things from sweaters to decorations, jewelry, toys, CDs – the list goes on and on,” said LaBrie. “We add new items daily so it is something people usually visit more then once.”
Another event coming to the New Berlin Library this month is a free evening of music programming sponsored by the Ruso and Jean Perkins Memorial Fund.
On Nov. 13, the library will a host a performance by folk singer Nan Hoffman beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“Since the library closes at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, the entrance for the performance will be at the rear door of the library which enters directly into the Community Room— which is where the performance will be held,” said LaBrie. The event is a free, she added, and there will be refreshments as well.
For more information on programming at the New Berlin Public Library, visit libraries.4cls.org/newberlin/ or call 847-8564.
Darlene LaBrie, Director of the New Berlin Public Library often finds herself getting crafty to stay in the black.
“We don't have the resources or a lager budget to pull from to keep us going like other larger libraries in the area,” said LaBrie. “So we use our wit and are very resourceful in terms of finding ways to raise funds.”
Recently, LaBrie sent out over 100 canvas letters to novelists and writers across the gamut, seeking donations to auction off as a way to generate some much needed income for the library.
“We really weren't sure what the response would be like,” said LaBrie, “but we were met with an unexpected return from several of the artists.”
The plan was simple. LaBrie wrote a series of popular writers and simply asked if they would each donate one autographed book each. The library will put the books up for bid and will sell them – five at a time – to the highest bidder every two weeks.
“This is a perfect opportunity for Christmas shoppers looking for a unique gift for the reader on their list to find a one of a kind item,” said LaBrie.
Highest bidders will also enjoy the spoils of whatever came with the package, including the envelopes and correspondence associated to that particular book.
“We have some very famous authors in the list,” said LaBrie. “The first five books will be ‘Carthage’ by Joyce Carol Oates, ‘Painter’ by Peter Heller, ‘Last Bride’ by Beverly Lewis, and ‘Shoemaker's Wife’ by Adriana Trigiani,” she said.
“These are all brand new and were signed and given to us by the authors themselves. The winner will get the book along with any material sent with them, such as notes from the author,” said Labrie.
Another way the library is generating funds is by way of its annual Christmas Bazaar.
The yearly event that began on Nov. 3 includes a huge variety of new gift items priced $5 and under – a great deal for bargain hunters.
“The sale runs until Christmas and there are tons of different things from sweaters to decorations, jewelry, toys, CDs – the list goes on and on,” said LaBrie. “We add new items daily so it is something people usually visit more then once.”
Another event coming to the New Berlin Library this month is a free evening of music programming sponsored by the Ruso and Jean Perkins Memorial Fund.
On Nov. 13, the library will a host a performance by folk singer Nan Hoffman beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“Since the library closes at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, the entrance for the performance will be at the rear door of the library which enters directly into the Community Room— which is where the performance will be held,” said LaBrie. The event is a free, she added, and there will be refreshments as well.
For more information on programming at the New Berlin Public Library, visit libraries.4cls.org/newberlin/ or call 847-8564.
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