Rothley Community Library in Leicester isn’t your typical library. It’s also a place that has become a haven for local families and adults in their community. They have recently signed up to easyfundraising and in their first few months have raised just shy of £120. We spoke with Suzanne, one of their supporters and a volunteer there, to find out more about the library and other services they provide.
Tell us about your cause
We are primarily a library and as you’d probably guess, we lend books to readers of all ages. However, our library is also a community hub and safe/warm space. We welcome older siblings looking after their younger, parents entertaining children, older adults needing a chat and hot drink, and we have toys to play with/crafts for those children that don’t have access to at home. We even provide a toilet for our local playground users!
I, as a volunteer, also benefit socially as I live alone and would not communicate if it wasn’t for my library shifts. There are approximately 25 volunteers who run the library and every level of job is covered by us.
Why do you need to raise funds?
The running costs of the library are susbtantial, and growing! We currently pay £13,500+ per year so that we can cover our utilities. We constantly fundraise and run community activities such as film nights and scarecrow festivals etc. to raise funds. We host a knitting group who sell their products to raise funds for us. We host cuppa and natter groups, Lego club, computer help group, and many other regular and irregular events, alongside easyfundraising now, to raise our minimum required to stay open.
Why did you sign up with easyfundraising?
Our Treasurer found easyfundraising after an online search. It seemed like a no-brainer for us , as so many people buy things online these days, and it is a way of raising money that is not time consuming or requires any additional cost for our committed group of (OAP) volunteers.
You’re off to a great start – how has the money raised with easyfundraising been used so far?
Every penny we raise helps our utility bills so that we volunteers can open our doors. It is never ending and will never end, as long as we attract more volunteers to keep doing what we do……which is serve our community. If we can keep up the donation rate we’ve achieved so far that will be a huge help!
Is there anything else you want to fundraise for?
If we ever get a surplus to our utility bills, we have an ambition to buy new computers which help young and old access the technology we all need to run our 21st century lives.
How have you spread the word to your community about easyfundraising?
We ran a trial with 2 volunteers so that we can explain exactly how it works. Then we have run awareness Saturdays where volunteers approach public to ask them to support us by signing up. We also promote it on our social media channels.
The response has been good so far – we have 30 supporters so far but not all of them have got raising yet – we are hopeful they will during the later part of the year.
What is your top tip for other causes using easyfundraising?
For causes like ours where the community is quite senior, we find it is really important to explain everything carefully and demonstrate it too. It can sound too good to be true, free funding, but it really is and really works!
How you can support the Rothley Community Library
The Rothley Library is clearly a vital part of the local community and providing an important space for families and individuals in the local area. You can support the library with every online shop – sign up to support them here.
Part of a similar cause that isn’t using easyfundraising yet? Register your good cause here.
Want to visit the library or find out more? Visit their website here.