Fundraising Ideas     |     3 November 2025

9 Book-Themed Fundraiser Ideas

Creative ways to raise money while celebrating stories

7 minute read

Every group of readers has its moments of laughter, deep debate, and maybe even a little friendly disagreement over which author deserves more praise. Every so often, another kind of challenge is thrown into the mix: finding ways to raise money. Whether your group wants to support a local library, fund literacy programs, or simply cover book club expenses, fundraising often lands in the lap of already-busy volunteers. It can feel like an uphill climb.

Here’s the good news. If your club is already built around the love of reading, you have a theme that practically begs for creativity. Books bring people together, and with the right ideas, they can also help bring in donations. The following book-themed fundraising ideas are designed to inspire you, ease the stress of planning, and make your group events enjoyable to run.

Book-themed fundraising ideas connect with people

Books already hold emotional weight. They remind people of childhood favorites, spark discussions about big ideas, and connect communities through shared stories. That makes them a natural foundation for fundraising events.

A book-focused event doesn’t have to only be about money; it can also help people celebrate stories and encourage literacy. It offers something engaging for participants of all ages. Whether it’s a fun read-a-thon or a lively trivia night, these events let supporters feel like they’re part of something meaningful. Because books are so universal, the audience for your fundraiser is bigger than you might expect.

Choosing the right idea for your club

Before you land on a plan, think about your group’s size and energy level. A smaller club may want to start with a simple event like a bookmark contest or a book swap. Larger groups might have the resources for something bigger, like an auction or community-wide read-a-thon.

Keep in mind: you don’t need to spend a fortune or pile hours of work onto volunteers. The best fundraisers are the ones that match your club’s personality and capacity. A little creativity and some shared effort go a long way.

Adding fundraising power to your event

No matter which idea you choose, there are ways to give your fundraiser an extra push. Here are a few examples:

• Tickets and entry fees: Even a modest price can add up quickly when paired with a fun activity.
• Auctions or raffles: A basket of donated books, gift cards, or themed items can be a big draw.
• Sponsorships: Local businesses often love supporting community reading events, especially if they get recognition in programs or on signage.
• Challenges and pledges: Especially in a read-a-thon, pledges per chapter, page, or hour keep donors invested.
  
  

These add-ons can improve your total without making your event more difficult to manage.

9 book-themed fundraiser ideas for your reading club

1. Host a community read-a-thon

Few reading fundraiser ideas are as flexible and rewarding as a read-a-thon. The structure is simple: readers commit to logging hours or pages over a set period of time, while friends, family, and neighbors sponsor their efforts.

This can take many shapes. Some clubs choose a marathon-style event where everyone gathers to read for a full day, while others stretch it across a week or a month. You can even add milestones, like prizes for the most hours read or the most sponsors gathered.

For donors, pledging by the page or chapter makes the experience interactive. For participants, it’s a chance to set aside extra time for reading. For your club, it’s a straightforward way to raise money while staying true to your purpose.

2. Book character costume night

Every reader has imagined themselves inside a favorite story. A costume night brings that to life. Invite members and guests to dress as their most-loved characters, and make it a social event with food, drinks, and maybe even a little dancing.

Charge an admission fee, and add fun extras like a prize for “most creative costume” or “best group theme.” This idea works well for both adults and families, and it creates plenty of photo opportunities you can share afterward to highlight your success.

Pair it with a silent auction table of donated items, and you’ll add even more to your fundraising total.

3. Literary trivia challenge

Trivia nights are always popular, and with books as the theme, the possibilities are endless. Create questions around classics, modern bestsellers, or even children’s literature, depending on your audience.

Form teams, sell tickets, and host the event at a library, café, or community center. To keep the energy high, mix in questions that range from easy to challenging. For prizes, think book store gift cards, themed merchandise, or club memberships.

This type of event doubles as outreach. Invite people beyond your reading group, and you’ll likely gain both donations and new members.

4. Blind date with a book sale

This creative twist on a book sale adds surprise and fun. Ask members to donate books, but instead of putting them on a traditional table, wrap them in plain paper. Write a few teaser words or short phrases on the front, providing hints without revealing the title.

Guests pay a set price and take home their “mystery book.” It’s simple, affordable, and easy to scale. You can hold it as a stand-alone event or add it to the side of a larger fundraiser like trivia or a costume party.

It also sparks great conversation. People come back eager to share what they ended up with.

5. Story swap and share market

Think of this as a book swap with a fundraising twist. Everyone brings a book or two they’re ready to pass on. Instead of straight trades, sell tickets for entry or per swap.

Encourage members to include a note inside the cover about why they loved the book. This personal touch makes the event feel more connected and keeps the focus on building community while raising money.

Pair it with refreshments, and you’ll have a relaxed event that feels more like a gathering than a fundraiser, while still meeting your goals.

6. Chapter-a-thon performance night

This idea blends theater with literature. Organize a night where participants read aloud from their favorite chapters or short stories. Invite local authors, teachers, or even students to join in.

Charge for tickets, and offer snacks or drinks for sale. You can keep it casual, with readers taking turns in a circle, or more polished, with a stage and microphone.

Not only does this raise money, but it also gives participants a chance to share beloved passages and bring stories to life in a fresh way.

7. Book-to-film movie night

There’s no shortage of books that made their way to the big screen. Host a screening of a popular adaptation and charge for admission. Pair it with themed snacks and a short discussion afterward about how the film compares to the book.

Choose crowd favorites, something like The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, or Harry Potter. This event is easy to run, family-friendly, and can be repeated with different titles.

If you want to add more fundraising punch, consider offering raffle tickets for a “book and movie bundle” prize pack.

8. Bookmark design contest

Bookmarks are both practical and personal, making them perfect for fundraising. Host a contest where participants design their own, charging a small entry fee.

Display all entries at a club meeting or community event, and let people vote with spare change or dollar bills. The design that raises the most money wins.

You can also turn the winning designs into printed bookmarks to sell at future fundraisers. This keeps the momentum going and gives supporters a small but meaningful keepsake.

9. Literary-themed auction baskets

Silent auctions are a tried-and-true way to raise significant funds, and themed baskets tie them directly to your club’s love of books. Put together baskets inspired by different genres (mystery, romance, fantasy) or specific titles.

A mystery basket might include puzzle books, a magnifying glass, a cozy blanket, and a bestselling thriller. A fantasy basket could feature candles, tea, a journal, and a popular series starter pack.

These baskets can be auctioned off in person or online, and they pair beautifully with Silent Auction Pro’s tools for managing bids, payments, and donor tracking.

Making your event memorable

The difference between a fundraiser that feels like work and one that feels like a celebration often comes down to the details. A few thoughtful touches can make your event stand out:

• Create simple decorations that tie into the theme.
• Recognize top participants with certificates, shout-outs, or small prizes.
• Share updates on social media to keep energy high and let donors see their impact.

Even small gestures of appreciation can keep supporters coming back year after year.

Tips for keeping planning stress-free

Many volunteers worry about the workload. Here are some ways to keep it manageable:

• Start small: Pick one or two ideas instead of trying to run everything at once.
• Share the load: Assign clear roles so one person isn’t juggling every detail.
• Stay organized: Use checklists, timelines, or event management tools to track progress.
• Ask for help: Local businesses, schools, or libraries often lend support when asked.

And don’t forget, software like Silent Auction Pro exists to take some of the pressure off. From ticketing to bidding to donor management, tools like this can make events smoother and less stressful.

Explore your next chapter of fundraising

Fundraising can feel like a heavy responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, your club can raise money while celebrating the very thing that brought you together: books.

These nine book club fundraiser ideas show that you don’t need extravagant budgets or complicated logistics to create something meaningful. Whether it’s the thrill of a read-a-thon, the fun of a costume night, or the charm of an auction basket, your event can be both effective and enjoyable.

If you need help organizing your next fundraiser or event, Silent Auction Pro’s powerful tools and support reduce stress while helping schools, churches, book clubs, and other organizations make the most of their fundraising efforts. Get a sneak peek of how this program can help you when you request a free demo.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about raising money. It’s about building community, sharing stories, and reminding everyone involved why reading matters. And that’s a story worth telling.