As many of you may know, April 4 to10 is National Library Week [2]. On Wednesday, April 7th, we will be participating in the 3rd annual Library Giving Day [3]! The Library Endowment Trust has embraced this international movement that originated in the International Public Library Fundraising forum. They are seeking to raise $20,000 from the community this year and are asking donors and prospects to support their favorite Metropolitan Library System location.

Here’s how we will support this initiative and answers to FAQ’s:

• ½ sheet flyers (PDF below will be distributed to all locations by Monday, April 5th.  Please place sheets with holds and in curbside deliveries on April 7th
• We are also letting our community know about the opportunity to give via social media, web banners, direct mail/email leading up to this day
• Gifts can be directed to www.supportmls.org/let/librarygivingday [4]
• In person gifts? Please utilize Library-Giving-Day-2021-Web-Form.pdf (supportmls.org) [5] and route gifts in sealed envelopes to BUS who will securely forward to DVS
• Why are we doing this? This is a great way to provide additional resources for our libraries to provide stellar customer experiences!
• What’s the history? In 2019 the Trust raised over $17,000 for new children’s books for MLS. We did not participate in 2020 due to the pandemic
• How will funds be used? Donors are asked to make a gift to their favorite MLS library. Funds will be held in commission special funds by location and used for in-person events and programming in 2022
• What can staff do to help? Encourage others to give (staff can even give!), and mention the event to customers as you are comfortable

Questions? Concerns? Email DVS at [email protected] [6]. You can also reach us at x3760. Thank you!