Hi Kaitlin,

We have avoided this, too, whether consciously or not. While it's been awhile since our last fundraiser, we did offer an after-hours party for the donor's family and 10 of their closest kid friends. We hosted it on a Friday, when we close at 6. I can't remember everything we did, but making slime was one of them, as well as snacks, games, and using our STEM Kits. It lasted for 1.5 hours and both staff and kids had a great time (families waited inside the library or at the pizzeria next door!).

Andy Schuck (hear it), MSI
Head of Youth Services
Traverse Area District Library
231-932-8560
Facebook: @TADLKids

I am reading to: The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Chung
I am listening to: Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2023 10:49:07 -0500
From: Kaitlin Matesich <kmatesich@benzieshoreslibrary.org>
To: Michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Fundraiser Concerns
Message-ID:
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 Hello all!

I was recently approached to offer my services as a Story Time presenter as
a biddable item for a local "Spring Fling" fundraiser. My first instinct
was, "I can easily put together a bespoke story time for 5-10 kiddos.
Offering literacy services as part of a fundraiser, what a great idea!" but
then the reality of the logistics and the idea of individuals paying for a
private library/librarian experience set in.

Has anyone had a similar experience? What did you, your library or your
friends group do?

Any suggestions for a literacy focused, biddable experience or item?

I don't feel comfortable offering "private" story time services outside of
the library setting, and would never want to go to an individual's
residence to host a story time. The idea of "selling" a story time or even
allowing someone to pick a theme for a program that would be open to the
public doesn't sit right (if it is even legal) .


--
*Kaitlin Matesich*
*Youth Services Coordinator*
*Benzie Shores District Library*
*630 Main St.  Frankfort, MI*
My Pronouns: She/Her - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more*.*