Public library fundraising can be a daunting task because it requires not only financial support but also community engagement, creative outreach, and may compete with other worthy fundraising causes. Securing funds can be challenging, especially when dealing with tight budgets and uncertain economic climates.
However, it is incredibly helpful in ensuring libraries can continue to provide essential services, expand programs, and enhance resources for the community. Successful fundraising efforts can also strengthen connections between the library and the people it serves, fostering a sense of collective investment in its future.
The Library Support Network (LSN) can help public library fundraisers by providing best practices, ideas, and resources. Best of all, it is currently free to join. For more information on this initiative, see their website: https://supportspl.org/lsn/#lsn-community
I learned about the LSN in a session titled First Steps to Fundraising Session: How Every Library Can Build Support at the 2025 Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) conference in Albuquerque September 17-20, 2025. The presenters all had a part in fundraising for their respective public libraries and included LSN Founder & CEO, Jonna Ward.
Post written and posted by: Carmelita Aragon, NM State Library, Library Development Bureau Chief.