Instead of doing a completely passive Spring/Summer Fundraiser this year, we decided that your Library Staff also needed to prove their worth in some way. It's a myth that library employees sit around reading all day. Sure we read, but usually on our own time. When we're working, we're often entering new items into the system, processing them so they can circulate, liasing with with community partners and leaders, and making sure the finances are in order. Even those who are working at the Help Desk are planning programs, sorting donations, and making sure the library is running properly while taking care of your needs. There has been a time or two where one of us has said, "If I had a penny for every step I take each day!" Well, okay, no one's actually said that, but a thought along those lines sparked a great idea.

With the start of Summer Quest 2023 fast approaching, we decided that we would get our steps in. Meeting step goals turned into a challenge, and the challenge became a fundraiser. While we get our steps in at work or in the community while on work business from June 5 through June 10, you have a few opportunities to help us raise a bit of money beginning now.

1. You can choose a staff member to sponsor for $5.00. If you're feeling extra brave and generous, you could even choose to sponsor your chosen staff member for $0.01 per step. Please know that you can also sponsor more than one staff member. We know people have their favorites, or at least staff members they see the most often, but that doesn't mean you can't sponsor another staff member as well.
2. For $1.00 you can guess which staff member will win our steps challenge. At the front of the library where you can find copies of the Town & Country Gazette is a poster with all participating staff members on it in case you're interested in sizing up your options. We will keep you updated each day with how many steps each staff member had the previous day, so you may want to guess again throughout the week. Fair warning, we've got some scrappy and competitive staff members! All guesses with the winning library staff member will be put into a raffle for a $25.00 VISA gift card. One winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, June 12.
3. For $1.00 you can guess the total number of steps all participating staff will take over the course of the week without going over. Obviously this number can change vastly each day, so vote early and vote often for your best chance at winning a $50.00 VISA gift card. Should multiple individuals have the closest guess without going over, they will be out into a raffle, and one winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, June 12.

If you're wondering what's in it for the library staff, rest assured that I've already bought the highest step taker the trophy pictured here.