Public libraries lean on annual appeals, grants, and the occasional book sale — each of which reaches a slice of the community and asks a lot of staff and volunteers. A Read-A-Thon broadens the base: because participation is built on reading and donations happen online, a patron's family three states away can sponsor them as easily as a neighbor down the street.
It also fits the library's mission cleanly. You're not selling a product or running a raffle; you're inviting your community to read and inviting their people to back them. The library keeps 75-80% of donations in cash, with no inventory and no shifts to staff.
Up and running in 10 minutes
No contracts, no minimums, no boxes in the back room.
Sign up free
Create your page in a few clicks. Our team sets up your main fundraiser and hands you the dashboards — no credit card, no setup fee.
Readers log minutes
Readers pick what they read and track minutes — not pages — so everyone can take part and succeed, at any reading level.
Donations roll in
Family and friends donate online from anywhere. We handle payment processing; you watch totals climb in real time.
Public library fundraising ideas that fit
Shape the campaign around how your community already uses the library.
Theme it to summer reading
Run it alongside your summer reading program so the fundraiser rides the season's natural momentum.
Partner with your Friends group
Let the Friends of the Library champion and promote it — it's a low-lift way to put their energy to work. See the Friends guide.
Add an online auction or gala
Auction author experiences, local gift baskets, or signed titles to complement the reading campaign. Run one free on 32auctions.
Recognize donors publicly
A digital or physical donor wall turns one-time givers into repeat supporters.