Here are fundraising ideas from Wisconsin Small Libraries Section (WISL) programs at past Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) conferences:

• Create a “wishing well” to drop coins into.
• Sell raffle tickets for a hot new book (or books) being released.
• Multicultural fair with food, performances, and artifacts from countries people have lived in or visited.
• An “ironman” contest, raising funds for the library along with a local fun run/walk/baby crawl.
• Sell memorial bricks for the library entrance, a garden, or an outdoor bench foundation.
• Chair affair – Paint used chairs with different themes, then auction off with free pie. (Then auction off leftover pie.)
• “Build a balloon”  – regular balloon filled with helium, tie with ribbon & anchor with book of choice.
• Hors d’oeuvre buffet. Tickets $12.50 each. Donated food, raffles. Raised $2000 in a community of 475.
• Silent auction of seasonally-themed baskets.
• Teen Advisory Board sells picture frames and cards around Mothers Day.
• Wii bowling tournament.
• "Duke Ellington" black tie dinner dance.
• Wine tasting and crafters bizarre (sic).
• Donated knitted dishcloths sold at the circ desk for $2.
• Historical photo ID night – Bring in old photos for community members to identify. Sell refreshments. Work in conjunction with Historical Society.

Sources:

• Wisconsin Small Libraries Section (WISL) newsletter Whistlestop, Spring 2011
• Wisconsin Small Libraries Section (WISL) newsletter Whistlestop, Autumn 2010