Growing your school's book collection: Creative ideas for the school community

When schools and nurseries are looking to refresh or expand their libraries or book collections, working with an Independent Usborne Partner (IUP) can be a fantastic way to make your budget go further.

Through an Usborne book event, you can earn up to 60% of the event value in extra free books, helping you build a bigger, more exciting collection without having to spend more. Your local IUP can also work with you to choose the books that best suit your school or nursery, whether you need new fiction, non-fiction, picture books, early readers or resources for specific age groups.

But what if you need to raise a little extra money to reach your book-buying target?

There are plenty of fun and creative ways to get your school community involved. Here are 10 fundraising ideas to get you started:

1. Bake Sale

Few things bring people together quite like cake! Ask families to donate homemade cakes, biscuits and other treats, then sell them at pick-up time, a school event or after a special assembly.

You could even make it a themed bake sale or hold a friendly competition for the best bake.

2. School Fair

A school fair can be a brilliant way to raise money while giving children and families a fun day out.Even better, your Independent Usborne Partner can help take some of the work off your hands by running an Usborne book stall at the event.

That means your school can benefit from the fundraising opportunity without having to organise every stall.

3. Fun Run

Get everyone moving with a sponsored fun run!

Children could run laps of the school field, complete an obstacle course or simply see how many laps they can manage in a set amount of time. Ask friends and family to sponsor them and turn the event into a celebration for the whole school community.

4. Sponsored Reads

Why not combine fundraising with something that supports children's love of books?

Sponsored reading challenges such as Ready Steady Read and Ready Steady Listen encourage children to spend time enjoying books while raising money for their school or nursery at the same time.

Find out more about Sponsored Reads here.

5. Local Business Support

Your local community could be a valuable source of support.

Approach businesses in your area and ask whether they would be willing to make a donation towards your school's book fund. You could offer to thank participating businesses in your newsletter, on your website or at a school event.

A few smaller donations can quickly add up and help you reach your target.

6. Used Book Fair

A used book fair is a great way to give old favourites a new home while raising money for new and needed books.

Ask families to donate books their children have outgrown or no longer read, then sell them at an affordable price. It's a win-win: families get some new-to-them books, your school raises funds and your shelves make space for fresh titles.

7. School Disco

Put on some music, get the disco ball spinning and let the children dance the night away!

A school disco can be a relatively simple fundraiser, with tickets providing the main source of income. You could also offer snacks, drinks or a small tuck shop to raise a little more.
Don't forget to include some favourite children's songs and plenty of opportunities for requests!

8. Quiz Night

Think your school community has some serious trivia experts?

A quiz night can be a fun evening for parents, carers, staff and other members of the local community. Charge teams an entry fee and consider adding a raffle or small refreshments to boost your fundraising total.

You could even include a round of children's book trivia to keep the focus on your ultimate goal!

9. Raffle

A raffle is a straightforward way to raise money, particularly if you can gather some appealing prizes from local businesses and families.

Ask local companies whether they would be willing to donate prizes, then sell tickets ahead of your draw. A mixture of small and larger prizes can help encourage plenty of participation.

10. Auction

For something a little different, why not hold an auction?

Local businesses, families or staff might be able to donate prizes, experiences or services. You could auction everything from gift hampers and days out to special school experiences.
An auction can be particularly successful when the prizes are unique or something that people can't easily buy elsewhere.

Ready to Start Fundraising?

Building a fantastic school or nursery library doesn't have to rely on your existing book budget alone. With a little creativity, fundraising can become a fun way to bring children, families, staff and the wider community together.

And remember, you don't have to do it alone. Your local Independent Usborne Partner can help you explore the best options for your school or nursery, organise a book event and make sure you get the books you really need while making your fundraising go as far as possible.

You can find your local Independent Usborne Partner here, or reach out to Usborne Community Partnerships so we can find the right IUP for you and your school.