From a question to a field-building network
How could public library fundraisers learn from one another, get inspiration, and find support built for the realities of public library fundraising?
The Library Support Network grew from that need into a dedicated organization helping the people who raise money for libraries connect, learn, and build stronger support together.
Start with a real need
Public library fundraisers needed more than occasional events. They needed a trusted place to connect, learn, and share what works.
Test what could help
Field leaders tested whether a more formal network could support peer learning, practical tools, and stronger fundraising practice.
Build for the field
LSN is now becoming permanent infrastructure for public library fundraising across North America.
The starting point
A field need became impossible to ignore.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation helped seed this work by launching the International Public Library Fundraising Conference and Library Giving Day.
Together, those efforts revealed something important: people raising money for public libraries needed a trusted place for peer connection, practical tools, shared learning, and field-specific support.
The question
What if public library fundraisers could connect year-round?
That question led library fundraising leaders to test whether a more formal network could help people share knowledge, solve common challenges, and strengthen fundraising for libraries of every size.
How LSN took shape
LSN grew through practical experiments, volunteer leadership, seed funding, and field feedback.
International Public Library Fundraising Conference launches
The first International Public Library Fundraising Conference created a dedicated annual gathering for public library fundraising professionals and leaders.
Library Giving Day launches
Library Giving Day demonstrated the value of shared tools, common messaging, and collective action to help libraries strengthen digital fundraising.
Feasibility work begins
The Seattle Public Library Foundation commissioned a feasibility study to understand whether interest in a network was widespread.
A founding work group forms
A small group of library fundraising leaders began reviewing survey results and planning next steps.
Field volunteers gather
Fifty-seven people came together to review findings, discuss common pain points, and explore how a network might move forward.
The idea gains momentum
Early survey findings and a platform prototype were shared with the field. More people wanted to get involved, and the work group expanded into a Steering Committee.
Seed funding supports continued development
Steering Committee organizations and other library foundations provided early support so the work could continue.
Pilot phase
Testing what the field wanted and needed
In October 2022, LSN launched as a beta community using an intentionally simple online platform to support peer conversations, knowledge exchange, and free convenings.
In March 2023, with a challenge grant from the Knight Foundation, LSN formally entered its pilot phase. Within months, hundreds of professionals joined, shared tools, attended events, and helped shape what LSN could become.
Planning phase
Moving from pilot to plan
With planning support from the Mellon Foundation in 2024, LSN began designing a sustainable future through surveys, interviews, focus groups, market analysis, and strategic planning.
In September 2024, the Library Support Network incorporated as a nonprofit organization and began the transition from pilot to permanence.
Building the field infrastructure public library fundraising needs
LSN is focused on five priorities that move the Network from pilot to permanence.
Build
Strengthen the organization.
Grow
Expand membership.
Deliver
Offer useful programs and tools.
Lead
Advance field-level initiatives.
Elevate
Increase visibility and partnerships.
Founding support
Seed funding made the pilot possible.
LSN is grateful to the founding funders whose early support helped test the idea, launch the pilot, and build momentum for a permanent organization dedicated to public library fundraising.
LSN has grown from an idea into an organization, but the core commitment has remained the same: build what the field needs, with the people doing the work.
Help build what public library fundraising needs next.
LSN is growing because people across the field believe public library fundraisers need a place to connect, learn, share, and lead together.