WebJunction

I have had several conversations lately with other librarians about funding for programming. It is often one of the first areas to be cut when budgets are in trouble. Also, many librarians feel constrained about what type of programming they can offer as they do want to be perceived as wasting taxpayer money.

I believe that programming for library patrons of all ages is an integral part of our services and should not be seen as an "extra" that can be cut when the going gets rough. Luckily, I am at a library where the administration feels the same way and has set up safeguards that protects the programming budget and allows for staff to program as they deem needed.

Funding for all library programming at MPOW (my place of work) comes from one of three sources:
1. Approximately 70% is from the Friends of the Library organization (which is private donations and not from taxes)
2. Approximately 20% is from a variety of grants and gifts that we apply for yearly
3. Approximately 10% is from a programming endowment that has been established.

No money comes from taxes and this gives us great liberty. We are still very cost conscious and we make effort to get free or low-cost programs. We partner with many local organizations, etc... but having our funding come from sources outside those collected for taxes is ideal.

So... how is your programming budget funded? I would be interested in hearing other methods...