For three days in June, the Central Library was filled with library fundraising leaders from across the U.S. and Canada for the International Public Library Fundraising Conference. Library Foundation SD hosted the annual conference with a range of presentations including fundraising strategies and best practices for building partnerships with library patrons and advocates. There were also panel discussions about the numerous challenges facing public libraries today.
Our CEO, Patrick Stewart, moderated a powerful panel on “Challenges to Public Institutions and How to Challenge Back” featuring leaders from San Diego Unified School District, KPBS, and San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones. The conversation explored how book bans, funding obstacles, and wavering public trust are impacting public libraries, public schools, and public media — and more importantly, how we can challenge back and defend our public institutions.
The IPLFC coincided with the announcement of the City Council’s amended city budget, which restored Monday hours for 16 of our 37 San Diego Public Libraries that had been cut in previous drafts.
The budget revision is a powerful reminder that the challenges discussed at IPLFC are not merely theoretical. They are happening right here, right now. We are grateful for all the passionate library champions who joined us for the IPLFC in San Diego. Together, we are not just fundraising but investing in the future of communities and showing that when we challenge back, we win.
