If you haven’t been back inside your local Library yet, we encourage you to plan a trip on April 6th. It’s Library Giving Day!
Library Giving Day started as a concept conceived and developed by the Seattle Public Library Foundation. Their idea was to create a national day of giving for public libraries to rally around and for the public to embrace.
On April 10, 2019 #LibraryGivingDay was launched in Seattle, WA, as a fundraising movement to support public libraries. Since its inception, over 400 library organizations from 45 US States and 5 Canadian Provinces have joined the #LibraryGivingDay movement and a total of $3,411,849 in fundraising revenue has been reported.
East Lansing Public Library Director Kristin Shelley encourages the community to “ Celebrate the wonderments of the East Lansing Public Library on Library Giving Day, April 6. It is a great day to acknowledge and delight in all the rewards the library and staff provide the East Lansing community every day." Plus, it gives you an opportunity to give back!
There are over 9,000 public libraries in communities across the nation. For all the unique services, programs and materials those libraries provide to their communities, they all have two things in common.
First, they’re accessible to everyone. And second, there’s no cost to use them.
However, public libraries do depend on support from the communities they serve.
#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event on April 6th, with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy the East Lansing Public Library to donate.
There are so many reasons why libraries are important to our communities. Below are some statistics that illustrate the positive impact of public libraries. We hope you’ll join library supporters across the U.S. on April 6th with your contribution.
Why You Should Support Your Public Library
Libraries Provide Access to the Internet
100% offer access to the Internet, and nearly 100% offer free WiFi and computer use
Libraries Strengthen Local Economies
73% assist with job applications and interviewing skills
68% help patrons use databases to find jobs
48% provide entrepreneurs with business information
36% offer workspace for mobile workers
Libraries Make Communities Healthier
77% of public libraries offer online health resources
59% provide programs for finding health insurance
Libraries Help Children Learn
95% provide online homework help and summer reading programs
Sources: ALA Office for Library Advocacy; ALA Office for Research and Statistics; all facts compiled in 2017.
Make plans now to support ELPL on Wednesday, April 6!
Here is a link to our donations page: https://www.elpl.org/donate-to-the-elpl/
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