Hi Kim: I'm a performer that has traveled Texas performing my one-woman shows. I can tell you that I've seen a lot of smaller towns (I'm not sure where you are) get a local business to donate the money if it's not in your budget or available from Friends of the Library.
Go to a local car dealership, they love doing this! If they will 'fund' the entire amount, ask them to come to the performance & get the local paper there with a camera. Get a photo of the donor with the performer and most local papers will get it on the front page. You could also get the local paper to sponsor you - a newspaper should understand the importance of building readership. The reasoning to get them to allow you to do this: As a performer, my biggest audiences are in small towns! I love those libraries the best. The kids come from every nook and cranny of the county to see these shows! Therefore, in increases participation in your summer reading program. The kids are reading, the adults that bring them check out books. Overall, in increases your summer library traffic & readership! This establishes new relationships with 'readers' that haven't come to the library before, and is a 'gift' to the ones who are regulars. And it shows the kids what a great, fun place a library is! It's a win-win situation and the money is quite well spent. Good luck! Cheryl Duffin Visit Cher's Blog http://www.storyplays.blogspot.com/ or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/playwrightchick ________________________________ From: Kim Kroll <[email protected]> To: "CTLS ([email protected])" <[email protected]> Sent: Tue, April 6, 2010 12:52:41 PM Subject: [ctls-l] Summer Reading How many Libraries have paid performers for the Summer Reading Program? I have a hard time getting permission to have paid performers, and I am looking for information to convince some people that it is a good idea. Kim Adele Kroll Director LenaArmstrong Public Library P.O. Box120 Belton, Texas 76513
