[Michlib-l] Fundraiser Concerns

Wed Feb 1 12:56:57 EST 2023

Tracy-- Love this idea! Solves a problem and offers something pretty cool,
too!

On Wed, Feb 1, 2023 at 12:12 PM Tracy Aldrich via Michlib-l <
michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:

> We have encountered the same issue at our library. After talking to our
> attorney,  we came up with a standard "donation" we offer whenever asked: a
> behind the scenes tour of the library and coffee and a visit with the
> director in the office.  (We offer this to any groups who ask, really:
> Rotary, Girl Scouts, homeschool parent groups,  etc.)
>
> People really enjoy the opportunity to see the behind the scenes areas of
> the library, like the workroom, office, drop box room, and book sale
> storage spaces,  and as part of the tour we show them things like how we
> process and repair books, for example.
>
> Our municipalities offer the same sort of "donation" to our library
> fundraising auction: a behind the scenes tour of city offices and
> facilities, like the wastewater treatment plant, which is rather
> fascinating actually, a look inside a police car, and time with the city
> manager. This way we can support local organizations who ask for our help
> while not running afoul of the law, and everyone gets to know their library
> and city better. And its fun, too!
>
> On Wed, Feb 1, 2023, 11:37 AM Membiela, Clare (MDE) via Michlib-l <
> michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello Kaitlin:
>>
>>
>>
>> Your instincts are spot on. I would strongly urge you to consult your
>> library’s attorney before attempting a project like this.
>>
>> Public entities may not provide donations to other entities (even
>> non-profits or other municipalities). If your participation is in the
>> context of your position at the library – so that the library is in effect
>> “lending” you to benefit another organization or cause, that could be
>> problematic.
>>
>>
>>
>> In addition, there could be employment and insurance related issues too.
>>
>>
>>
>> If the fundraiser is to benefit the library,  there could be issues with
>> that as well, depending on exactly what services are offered and when they
>> are performed – even if working with your friends’ group.
>>
>>
>>
>> Public entity fundraising can be complicated, so it is best to get expert
>> assistance.
>>
>>
>>
>> I hope this is helpful!
>>
>>
>>
>> Take Care,
>>
>> Clare
>>
>>
>>
>> Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
>>
>> Library Law Consultant
>>
>> Library of Michigan
>>
>> MembielaC at michigan.gov
>>
>> 517-335-8132
>>
>>
>>
>> *The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and
>> not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your
>> attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.*
>>
>>
>>
>> “The dissemination of ideas can accomplish nothing if otherwise willing
>> addressees are not free to receive and consider them. It would be a barren
>> marketplace of ideas that had only sellers and no buyers.” *Lamont v.
>> Postmaster General*, 381 U.S. 301
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org> *On Behalf Of *Kaitlin
>> Matesich via Michlib-l
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, February 1, 2023 10:49 AM
>> *To:* Michlib-l at mcls.org
>> *Subject:* [Michlib-l] Fundraiser Concerns
>>
>>
>>
>> *CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to
>> abuse at michigan.gov <abuse at michigan.gov>*
>>
>>
>>
>> Hello all!
>>
>>
>>
>> I was recently approached to offer my services as a Story Time presenter
>> as a biddable item for a local "Spring Fling" fundraiser. My first instinct
>> was, "I can easily put together a bespoke story time for 5-10 kiddos.
>> Offering literacy services as part of a fundraiser, what a great idea!" but
>> then the reality of the logistics and the idea of individuals paying for a
>> private library/librarian experience set in.
>>
>>
>>
>> Has anyone had a similar experience? What did you, your library or your
>> friends group do?
>>
>>
>>
>> Any suggestions for a literacy focused, biddable experience or item?
>>
>>
>>
>> I don't feel comfortable offering "private" story time services outside
>> of the library setting, and would never want to go to an individual's
>> residence to host a story time. The idea of "selling" a story time or even
>> allowing someone to pick a theme for a program that would be open to the
>> public doesn't sit right (if it is even legal) .
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Kaitlin Matesich*
>>
>> *Youth Services Coordinator*
>>
>> *Benzie Shores District Library*
>>
>> *630 Main St.  Frankfort, MI*
>>
>> My Pronouns: She/Her - See www.mypronouns.org
>> <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mypronouns.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7CMembielaC%40michigan.gov%7Cccade33fe8d94862ca4e08db046c93cf%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C638108636610785985%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OP0mjUFyh9zOB1EVnOKPxBYfG4DjTGWefzXv0KTVmUM%3D&reserved=0>
>> to learn more*.*
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Michlib-l mailing list
>> Michlib-l at mcls.org
>> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Michlib-l mailing list
> Michlib-l at mcls.org
> https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l
>

-- 
Jean Fellows
(she/hers)
Programming Coordinator
Grand Ledge Area District Library
131 E. Jefferson St.,
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
517-627-7014

*The Grand Ledge Area District Library is situated on ancestral,
traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires
Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples-- land ceded in the
1819 Treaty of Saginaw. For more information, see the article from Central
Michigan University
Library:https://blogs.cmich.edu/library/2019/11/26/the-1819-treaty-of-saginaw/#:~:text=In%20the%201819%20treaty%2C%20the,living%20on%20the%20ceded%20territory.
<https://blogs.cmich.edu/library/2019/11/26/the-1819-treaty-of-saginaw/#:~:text=In%20the%201819%20treaty%2C%20the,living%20on%20the%20ceded%20territory.>*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail3.mcls.org/pipermail/michlib-l/attachments/20230201/83589071/attachment.html>