I’m so glad I attended the session It’s All About the Money: Corporate Partnerships in Children’s Programming with Cheryl Lee of Palo Alto Public Library. I got some great tips on how to ask businesses for “anything under the sun, the more unusual the better (sometimes).” Cheryl gave intriguing examples of fresh thinking that brought all sorts of corporate sponsorships and donations — to host a Lunar New Year celebration with food trucks, a juggler, a magician, dancers and a dragon, a San Francisco Giants Replay Day, and a Creative Writing Workshop for kids featuring children’s authors. And more!
One idea I especially like is a Back-to-School Swap, where families can bring outgrown clothes and toys and exchange them for things that fit their growing child. Cheryl got corporate sponsorship for $500 worth of clothes hangers and a gift card to give away. Her enthusiasm and creativity were inspiring!
Sharon McClintock
City of Mountain View Public Library
Mountain View, CA