2026 United for Libraries Virtual - Foundations and Fundraising Day

 

Beyond the Book: How Libraries Can Fundraise with Author Events

Skip Dye, SVP, Library Sales and Digital Strategy, Penguin Random House; Tiffany Tomlin, Vice President, Executive Director, Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau; Gary Branson, Executive Director/Fiscal Officer, Marion (OH) Public Library; Ruth Ozeki, Author, Penguin Random House, and Lauren Trujillo, Foundation Director, Santa Barbara (CA) Public Library Foundation

Author events have long been a favorite way for libraries to engage their communities—but they can also be powerful fundraising opportunities. This panel brings together a representative from a leading speakers bureau, a library professional who has successfully coordinated fundraising author programs, and an author with firsthand experience participating in such events. Together, they will demystify the process of working with speakers bureaus, highlight best practices, and share practical strategies for libraries of all sizes.

From understanding the right questions to ask when booking a speaker to exploring the wide variety of event formats—from intimate conversations to large-scale galas—you’ll leave with ideas to match your library’s resources and community. Whether you have a large budget or are working within the constraints of a small to mid-size library, this discussion will provide creative, scalable approaches to making author appearances both memorable and financially impactful.

Case Study: Engaging Volunteers, Donors and Staff to Create a Strategic Fundraising Plan

Natalie Starosta, Library Director, Lake Bluff (Illinois) Public Library and Lauren Chilvers, Fundraising Librarian, LLC

The North Riverside Library Foundation has a long history of devoted and invested community members. In 2021 the long-time fund-raising group, Friends of the Library, merged with the Library Foundation to create the dynamic Foundation & Friends group. After merging with the Friends group, they were ready to take their connections, energy and passion for the library to the next level and engaged the consulting company, Fundraising Librarian. Together the Fundraising Librarian and the North Riverside Library Foundation audited their past activities, conducted interviews with members of the Foundation, and developed a plan with actionable steps. Now the North Riverside Library Foundation is primed to become the premier philanthropic priority in their community.

This case study emphasizes inclusive engagement throughout the strategic fundraising process. By conducting stakeholder interviews and gathering feedback from a wide range of volunteers, donors, and staff, the North Riverside Library Foundation ensured that diverse perspectives were represented in the fundraising audit and planning. This inclusive approach not only honors the contributions of all community members but also identifies opportunities to reach historically underrepresented groups in philanthropy. Additionally, the strategies developed—including communication messaging, social media planning, and donor engagement—prioritize accessibility and clear, equitable outreach, helping ensure that all community members can participate in supporting the library’s mission. The process demonstrates how inclusive planning and representation strengthen organizational capacity and community impact.

Collaboration, Communication, and Flexibility: Working Together to Reach Campaign Goals

Charity Tyler, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library Foundation and Dara Schmidt, Director, Cedar Rapids (IA) Public Library

Learn how a Library Foundation Director and Library Leadership Team executed a successful capital campaign that raised more than $10 million by working together from idea to concept to grand opening. Presenters will share stories about working with individual and corporate donors giving smaller gifts to seven-figure gifts and grant opportunities. Hear how this Iowa public library and its foundation built a new 40,000 square foot library branch when many community members said couldn’t be done.

In this session, you will learn how to (1) recognize what successful collaboration and cooperation between Library Foundation and Library Leadership looks like when pursuing campaign goals; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the steps required when considering, launching, and completing a capital campaign, and (3) identify scenarios where the need for flexibility and innovation are necessary while working with major gift donors and their unexpected needs, requests, or requirements.

Making the Most of Milestones: Golden Opportunities in Library Fundraising

Angela Daniels, Librarian, The Alternative School for Math and Science; Joyce Garczynski, Assistant University Librarian for Communication & Digital Scholarship, Towson University; Kate Nardin, Chief Development Officer, Chicago Public Library Foundation, and Amy Katzenberger, Director of Development, American Library Association

From groundbreakings to anniversaries, milestones provide libraries with opportunities to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate. They also can be extraordinary fundraising catalysts that build community and inspire new philanthropy. In this panel discussion, experienced fundraisers, library advocates, and supporters will discuss how to identify milestone fundraising opportunities, develop impactful milestone outreach, as well as how to successfully engage donors before, during, and after milestones.

The program will begin with audience members sharing their experiences with library milestones. Then panelists from a variety of different library types will add their perspectives on how they have created donor-engaging programs, exhibits, and communications connected to anniversaries, dedications, and other commemorations. The session will continue with questions from the moderator about how to address the challenges that can come with milestone fundraising and then will conclude with questions from the audience.

If you experience any problems registering, please email united@ala.org for assistance.