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) <https://namedrop.io/andyschuck>, MSI *he/him/his <https://odu.edu/safespace/pronouns-and-why-they-matter>* Head of Youth Services Traverse Area District Library 231-932-8560 www.tadl.org/youth Facebook: @TADLKids <https://www.facebook.com/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: <CAL4w9gus0+j4Z007Qjz5qgqJh82PrBB8rNeNDW=6bUOi_0Dv1Q@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" 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*.*