ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

Name: Blazing New Trails in Library Funding: Sponsorships, Storytelling, & Building Community Trust
Start: 2026-10-17T14:30:00-0500
End: 2026-10-17T15:20:00-0500

Blazing New Trails in Library Funding: Sponsorships, Storytelling, & Building Community Trust

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

Program Description/Abstract
As libraries expand services and respond to growing community needs, many are turning to sponsorships, donations, and partnerships as essential funding strategies. Why are you having to turn more to sponsorships - budget? Successful fundraising today requires strategic communication rooted in public relations and marketing, intentional timing, and sustained relationship-building.
This presentation explores how libraries can design effective sponsorship packets that clearly communicate value, impact, and community alignment. Participants will learn how to approach outreach timing for maximum engagement, avoid common fundraising and public relations missteps, and develop campaign-based strategies that strengthen long-term donor relationships rather than relying on one-time requests.
A central focus will be the role of storytelling as a core PR and marketing tool for building trust. Attendees will examine how both public-facing messaging and behind-the-scenes transparency shape community perception and strengthen support over time. The session also highlights how libraries can reframe community members as active stakeholders, not just donors, through consistent, narrative-driven communication.
Individuals will leave with practical tools for developing sponsorship materials, planning outreach timing, and building trust-centered campaigns that elevate visibility, deepen engagement, and support sustainable library funding efforts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, Individuals will be able to:

Develop effective sponsorship packets tailored to library programs and audiences.
Identify strategic timing for donation and sponsorship outreach to maximize engagement.
Apply foundational storytelling techniques as a PR and marketing tool to build trust and community engagement.
Recognize common PR and fundraising mistakes and how to avoid t

Speakers

Rylie Yawson

Marketing & Public Relations Manager, The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library

I am a communications strategist, educator, and community leader based in Jonesboro, Arkansas. As Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, I lead strategic communications efforts that elevate public awareness, strengthen community engagement... Read More →

Saturday October 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Break Out Session

Track Buffalo National River Trail
Audience Public; Special
global Y

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ArLA 2026 Annual Conference

Rylie Yawson

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Rylie Yawson

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