Introducing the Nation’s Newest Library District
EveryLibrary is proud to work with libraries in communities like Branson to ensure that library services thrive.
The library in Branson Missouri was set to close in 2024 but I’m thrilled to share that we helped it become the nation’s newest Library District instead.
Now, Library services for this part of Missouri – despite the issues with the Secretary of State – will continue to grow.
The Taney Hills Community Library has been serving the Branson area for almost 90 years as a local small nonprofit.
Unfortunately, the cost of doing business as a non-profit Library exceeded their fundraising and endowment capabilities.
The leadership team knew it was important to go to the voters to ask for a tax levy to fund a true public library and with assistance from EveryLibrary and active organizing and campaigning, they succeeded — by 47 votes.
EveryLibrary is proud to work with libraries in communities like Branson to ensure that library services thrive. We consulted closely with the existing Community Library leadership team and the new library board, made a direct donation to the ballot committee, and helped them plan and execute a winning campaign.
Our donors make these kinds of important initiatives a reality!
About John Chrastka
EveryLibrary’s founder is John Chrastka, a long-time library trustee, supporter, and advocate. John is a former partner in AssociaDirect, a Chicago-based consultancy focused on supporting associations in membership recruitment, conference, and governance activities. He is a former president and member of the Board of Trustees for the Berwyn (IL) Public Library (2006 – 2015) and is a former president of the Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS) multi-type library system. He is co-author of “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.” and “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding”. Prior to his work at AssociaDirect, he was Director for Membership Development at the American Library Association (ALA) and a co-founder of the Ed Tech startup ClassMap. He was named a 2014 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal and tweets @mrchrastka.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
“If you like my storytelling, this is your jam.” Jason Reynolds Goes All Audio with “Soundtrack”
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel | Review
Writing Queer Characters with Warmth, Empathy, and Inclusive Joy, a guest post by Lauren Magaziner
Pably Cartaya visits The Yarn
ADVERTISEMENT
