How can kids help their library's?

[Sadia Ramnandan]

My son goes to the NYPL and right now they are in need of funding. That library benefits a lot of people who can't afford to buy a book, DVD, or other things. He's wrote a letter to Mayor Bloomberg, but honestly will that get funding. Maybe if they get their goal of 140,000 letters; but there has to be ways to help. Any suggestions?

[Mark Robinson]

That's definitely a great start! The more word that you can get out the better, so starting with Bloomberg and any other "higher up" whether in politics or even other schools and churches.

Truthfully, there are a few different things that you could do. Your son could raise the money. With your help, you could write a letter to family and friends and layout what you guys are doing, asking for support in raising money and getting the word out.

Another that was phenomenal was; 10 years ago, my house burned down and we lost everything. A couple of neighborhood kids felt pressed and wanted to make a difference, so they set up a lemonade stand with a giant sign on why they were selling lemonade. All it said was "Buy a glass and help raise money for the Robinson family." When someone bought a glass of lemonade for $0.50 they would receive a flyer about our house fire and where the money would go. In the course of a weekend, they ended up raising $5150 for us.

Similarly, that may be a great start and then continue to brainstorm on how to raise money. Even setting up a facebook group where people could send money to may be a help.

Hope some of that helps and good luck!

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