At the Avalon Public Library in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the director there has established "Create a Craft" birthday parties as a fund-raising method for the library. The parent chooses the theme and craft (think making jewelry, hand puppets, sand art or decorating an article of clothing - the possibilities are endless!)


The parent provides the food, decorations and craft supplies while the staff contribute by reading stories, providing themed activities or games, and helping the children with their take-home crafts. They charge per child and the proceeds benefit the library. (The director there says parents have commented that it's a nice alternative to Chuck E. Cheese.) Read the entire article in the May/June issue of Public Libraries or try it out for yourself!