In cities and towns across the country, the public library stands as the enduring, seemingly unchanging heart of the community. But a closer looks shows that, in point of fact, libraries are constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of their patron base. In order to stay relevant in this environment, Friends of the Library organizations must be prepared to realign their priorities and programs to match the library’s – in other words, to expand beyond their traditional comfort zone.
MALF’s fall 2015 workshop series, Beyond Book Sales: The Future of Friends Fundraising, shines a light on the all-important fundraising aspect of Friends work. What can we do, in this current landscape, to raise real funds for our library? How do we take those first steps in a new direction? And, circling back to our roots, what does the future hold in store for the tried-and-true used book sale?
In September, library consultant and former Friends executive Stu Wilson will lead three half-day sessions covering these questions and more. Each will include an hour-long keynote, during which Wilson will brief attendees on: fundraising fundamentals; book sale trends; libraries’ increasing need for private support; changing community needs and volunteer demographics; and, effective social media tools. There will be ample opportunities for audience Q&A.
METRO: Edina Public Library
5280 Grandview Square, Edina
Friday, Sept. 11, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Register by September 4
CENTRAL: Aitkin Public Library
110 1st Avenue NE, Aitkin
Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Register by September 5
SOUTH: Marshall – Lyon Co. Public Library
201 C Street, Marshall
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Register by September 8
Every session will also include an hour-long idea exchange session – a MALF workshop staple, and one of attendees’ best opportunities all year round to network and share with Friends from across Minnesota. In addition, our local co-hosts in Aitkin, Edina and Marshall will provide guided library tours at each site.
Everyone is invited to sign up for a free workshop. It is not necessary to be a member of MALF or any Library Friends organization to attend, and all participants will receive free lunch or dinner (depending on session run time). However, you must PRE-REGISTER ONLINE at least one week prior to the date of your workshop.
About Stu. Workshop moderator and keynote presenter Stu Wilson is a lead consultant and project coordinator with the St. Paul-based Library Strategies Consulting Group. His specialty areas include strategic planning, board development, advocacy, and of course, fundraising. Wilson’s career experience includes productive terms as both Executive Director of the Friends of the Hennepin Co. Library and Vice-President of the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. He is also the founder of Fitzgerald in Saint Paul, a nonprofit celebrating the legacy of author F. Scott Fitzgerald.