Alternate Ways Of Funding Your Summer Reading Program

It broke my heart. I received an email this week from a library saying they had to cancel my show next summer. They had just been informed that there were going to be budget cuts and the Summer Reading Program was one of the things that got the ax. This wasn't a small library, either. This was a library in a decent-size city. I've performed at this library numerous times in the past and always had a great time. The staff is wonderful and my shows were always well-attended.

It seems like whenever a city or town needs to cut the budget, the library is the first one to suffer. It's a sad reality. But there are some avenues you may want to consider if your funding is reduced or goes away entirely.

Some state arts councils have grants to bring in performers or artists. Several years ago a library used one of these grants to not only bring me in for their Summer Reading Program, but also to buy 100 magic kits to give to the children who came to the show. You may also want to consider having programs sponsored. I am very happy to thanks sponsors before, during and after my shows. I remember one occasion years ago where a local pizza place sponsored my SRP magic show. It was my last show of the day and I told everyone that I was heading over to the restaurant to grab a slice of pizza and maybe do a little more magic. We had about 60 people show up. The pizza shop was very happy.

When looking for a sponsor, you might also want to consider getting a company that might fit in with the current Summer Reading Program theme. For instance, this year the CSLP theme is "Unearth A Story". You may want to try getting sponsorship from a company that sells earth-moving equipment; a construction company or how about your local Sinclair gas station? After all, they have an Apatosaurus as their mascot. (It's not a Brontosaurus, I checked.)

For the iREAD "Plant A Seed, Read" theme, you could talk to a local garden center, farmers co-op or lawn care company.

I know that many of you have fantastic "Friends of the Library" groups that raise money for the Summer Reading Program and other library needs. If my show is being funded by this group, please let me know. I'd love to give them recognition and a round of applause from the audience.

I hope you've found this article helpful and if your library is facing some financial challenges, I hope that maybe some of these ideas will be useful to you.