Finances and Fundraising

• Snapshot of a Budget Year -- 1943
• Fundraising
• "Trim a Tree" Contributions

From the inception of the Honolulu County Medical Society Library in 1913-1914, to its current incarnation, the Hawaii Medical Library has struggled with raising enough money to run a library capable of meeting its mission of providing current and authoritative health information to its members. From the minutes of the Library Committee in 1914 we find that the wish list for books and journals at that time came to a grand total of $150.00, $52.50 of which had already been donated; the rest needed to be raised. For the last 90 years, the search for monies to supplement the budget has continued without much relief. The Library has depended upon creative fundraising, including donations of books, journals, and grants from generous donors.

To all of the individuals and corporations who have contributed over the years we send a heartfelt MAHALO! (And a request to keep up the good work.)

Since at least 1984, members have been asked for an end-of the-year donation to the Book Fund. These generous "Trim a Tree" contributions help us to maintain our up-to-date collection of books and journals. In 1985 (and many times since) there was a 19% cut in the book budget, which we were able to offset by the "Trim a Tree" donations. Donating members fill out a special card that is used to decorate the Christmas tree. Contributions may be made in honor or in memory of a colleague or relative.

Past donation totals:

• 1985 - $6,105.00
• 1986 - $8,865.00
• 1989 - $7,265.00
• 1990 - $11,864.00