Erie’s Great American Book Sale was great indeed in 2023.
The Friends of the Erie County’s Library’s chief annual fundraiser earned a record $77,379 after expenses from its June sale, the nonprofit’s board reported in its January membership newsletter.
It wasn’t the only record to report.
Smaller book sales in February, May and October raised a combined $16,593 before expenses, also an all-time high.
Additional revenue added up to around $70,000 more over the course of the year.
All of the Friends’ revenue benefits the library system in the form funding for programming, events, staff training and other needs. The board recently approved the library’s 2024 budget request of $76,730, which includes funding for youth and adult services, outreach and staff development.
How the Friends of the Erie County Library raise money
In addition to popular book sales, the Friends raised funds in a variety of ways in 2023:
- Net sales at Bayfront Bookshelf, the used book store in the Blasco Library lobby, were $20,716;
- Erie Gives earned $16,164 in donations and matches through the Erie Community Foundation;
- The Friends’ online sales portal at Abe Books generated $3,569 after expenses;
- Membership donations totaled $4,175;
- Community donations and memorials amounted to $21,183;
- Sponsorships, including from the Erie County Community College, Erie Community Foundation and Erie Insurance, brought in $5,500; and
- Workshops at Blasco Library totaled $1,965.