Over the last few months Friends board members put their heads together trying to think of ways to increase Friends membership. Through the BOOKtiques and memberships, the Friends fund many amazing library programs and events. As Lake Oswego grows so do the number of library users and program attendees. That means the Lake Oswego Public Library needs more funding from the Friends.

After brainstorming ideas, developing spreadsheets, graphing possibilities, and hashing them out verbally, we reached a consensus. Our first stab at increasing membership revenue numbers would be a membership drive. We were on a roll.

A membership drive needs incentives: prizes, contact with library users, attractive banners that explain what Friends does, and volunteers to get it all done. Friends board members zipped hither and tither, soliciting prize donations, fashioning banners, coordinating with library staff, and rounding up volunteers to commit their time.

Well, we made it happen! Over the week of September 14 - 19, one or two board members staffed a table, flanked by some impressive banners showing the library programs and events funded by Friends and the number of attendees. In a nutshell, Friends-sponsored programs and events have been attended by approximately over 9,000 patrons

Also on the table sat a nice sandwich board describing prizes that every new and renewing member could win. Every $25 dollar donation received one ticket that was placed in a jar for the prize drawing at the end.

Board member volunteers patrolled the area around the table from noon to six every day that week, greeting library users and, very gently, explained the role of Friends. It was a busy week, but a successful one.

We raised $8,185(!) and have nearly 6 dozen new or renewing Friends members. Our Friend-ships are growing!

After the table was cleared and the banners rolled up, it was time for the drawing for the prizes. Six names were picked randomly and six new or renewing members will be receiving our prizes!

 

Click here to return to the newsletter.