Imagine that your local library has invited community members to submit proposals for a fundraiser. You are the student representative on the committee to choose the best proposal. Read the two proposals, paying close attention to their similarities and differences. Consider whether or not each proposal is logistically feasible, which fundraiser will most appeal to members of your community, and which fundraiser will likely raise more money.

Question

Which proposal do you think the committee should choose? Write an essay in which you make a case for your choice. Support your argument with references to specific details in each proposal.

Proposal 1: The best way to get people invested in the library is to show them the joy of reading. For that reason, the library should hold a book sale. People could donate books that they no longer want, and the librarians could find books that the library no longer needs. Volunteers would need to sort the books into categories and arrange them in an inviting way, like at a bookstore. Books should be inexpensive so people will buy more of them – maybe fifty cents for paperbacks and two dollars for hardcover books. A book sale would appeal to people of all ages, from little kids to older people. There should also be a table where people can sign up for library cards. That way, if visitors do not find any books they want at the sale, they can come back to the library.

Proposal 2: A great way to make money for the library would be holding a car wash. The softball team at my school raised over $400 at their car wash last year! The car wash could be held in the library parking lot on a Saturday morning. You could ask local high school students to volunteer to wash the cars. That would be a great way to get students involved with the library. It takes two or three volunteers to wash a car quickly, so you would need at least ten volunteers. You could charge around ten dollars per car. Even people who are not very interested in reading like to have a clean car, so you would get a lot of people to stop by who might not otherwise come to a library fundraiser.
pick number 1

Answer 1

In considering the two proposals for a library fundraiser, I strongly advocate for Proposal 1: the book sale. Both proposals present unique opportunities to engage the community and raise funds, but several factors make the book sale a more favorable option.

First, the book sale emphasizes the intrinsic value of reading and literacy, which aligns closely with the core mission of the library. By encouraging community members to donate books they no longer want, the library not only recycles literary resources but also builds a culture of sharing and generosity. The proposal highlights the importance of promoting reading across all ages, making it inclusive and accessible to families with young children, teens, and even seniors. A car wash, while appealing, does not inherently promote the library's values and could miss opportunities for fostering a love for reading.

Second, the logistical feasibility of a book sale appears more favorable than that of the car wash. Proposal 1 includes the involvement of volunteers to categorize and display books, which creates a community project that can engage various demographics. In contrast, while Proposal 2 mentions soliciting local high school students to volunteer, car washes may face more challenges such as inclement weather, the need for water and supplies, and the unpredictability of the number of cars that may show up. During a book sale, the inventory is already set, and the event can be tailored to run smoothly, independent of external factors like weather conditions.

Furthermore, the book sale, with its low-priced offerings, encourages higher volume purchases. Charging fifty cents for paperbacks and two dollars for hardcovers allows attendees to leave with multiple books for a relatively small expenditure. This pricing strategy not only makes books accessible to all but also fosters a sense of excitement as people feel they are getting a great deal. Strikingly, Proposal 2’s approach to charging ten dollars per car could limit participation; individuals who may not be particularly engaged with the library could see the car wash as a financial burden rather than an attractive community service.

Additionally, the proposal for the book sale includes an opportunity for visitors to sign up for library cards, effectively converting casual attendees into active library patrons. This method not only directly benefits the library's membership numbers but also establishes a long-term connection between the library and community members. The car wash, while potentially reaching an audience beyond the usual library users, lacks this aspect of fostering deeper ties with the library.

In conclusion, while both proposals have merits, Proposal 1 stands out for its alignment with the library's mission, logistical feasibility, potential for community engagement, and effective fundraising strategy. By choosing the book sale, the committee can not only raise funds but also enhance community interest in reading, cultivate library membership, and create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere for all attendees. This makes Proposal 1 the clear choice for the library fundraiser.