Did you know that almost all of the library’s collection is funded by the Friends of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library? That means almost every book or periodical that you read and every film you watch comes from the generous support of the Friends. Plus, the Friends help fund enrichment programs for children and adults, such as Little Yogis, Friday Flicks, Creative Movement Virtual Yoga, virtual cooking classes and the many performers that the library books during the summer for children and adults.
How do the Friends raise money for the library? In several ways – through our annual membership drive; fundraisers such as the 30 Chances to Win Daily Raffle, the Summer Cocktail Party and other events; and through donations. We also receive sponsorships from local businesses and organizations, which are key to our success!
Membership in the Friends is a key prong in our fundraising strategy. Donations from our members constitute the largest source of our funding. The Friends have five membership levels, ranging from “Friend” to “Lifelong Friend.” Each level comes with perks, such as our quarterly newsletter (all levels), a complimentary invitation to our donor appreciation reception – Sippin’ in the Stacks (“Generous Friends” and above), two complimentary tickets to the Summer Cocktail Party (“Best Friends” and above) and enrollment as a “Best Friend” for life, along with your name inscribed on a plaque on permanent display at the library (“Lifelong Friends”).
The 30 Chances to Win Daily Raffle is a way for us not only to support local businesses and restaurants, but also allows gives community members the opportunity to support the library while also getting the chance to win gift cards to Rehoboth Beach businesses. In 2023, the daily raffle raised almost $13,000 for the library. We are looking forward to another successful raffle this year!
The Friends Annual Summer Cocktail Party is our signature fundraiser, hosted at a private home by one of our patrons. Enjoy fabulous food, tasty libations and lots of socializing! It’s an event not to be missed and typically raises between $10,000 and $15,000 for the library.
With the support of our members, the Friends of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library has been able to present the library with a check for $50,000 in each of the past two years. This has allowed the library to expand its collection and hold enrichment programs for all members of the community, both young and old. What can your donation do? $50 pays for two new books, $150 pays for a month’s subscription to the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal, $500 pays for a summer concert and $2,000 pays for 10 weeks of summer literacy programs.
Your support is crucial to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library! We ask you to join or renew your membership and consider whether you could participate at a higher level. To join the Friends, go to www.rehoboth.lib.de.us. All donations are welcome. Thank you!
Kimberly Scott
President