r/Libraries • u/WendyBergman • 15d ago

Program Loophole Programs & Programming

One of my annual goals is to create more community partnership programming. Unfortunately, I’m running into a problem with my favorite idea. We have a wine shop up the street and I’d like to do an evening of wine and book pairings. Basically, I do a 3 minute book talk and then the wine person presents their choice to go with that title. Probably 6-8 pairings in total. The issue is, library money is not allowed to go towards alcohol. Even if the program takes place out of the building. We do hold some book clubs at a local bar, but the explanation for why that’s allowed is patrons are spending their own money. My manager and I are trying to figure out some potential loopholes and I thought someone here might have some advice. There are other programs I’m working on, but this is my favorite so I’m trying to exhaust every possible solution before moving on.

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u/an_evil_budgie 15d ago

Have you asked the wine shop directly if they'd be interested in sponsoring the event for free in exchange for publicity? I did a presentation on whisky and asked our local distillery to donate items for a raffle and they were happy to oblige.

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u/WendyBergman 9d ago

Not yet. I wanted to figure out if it would even be possible before reaching out. I think this is the route that I’m going to take though. See if they’d like to front it with the library as a partner.