Fundraisers for the Library

In order to bridge the gap between funds received from local and state designated funds and the actual operating budget, the Library is continuously fundraising in one way or another. Supporting GHAL can be as simple as dropping spare change into the Little Library donation box when you check out or as involved as purchasing tickets and attending an event.

Summer Reading Appeal

Every May, the Library mails a special letter to patrons announcing the beginning of the Summer Reading program and asking for support. When that letter arrives in their mailbox, they get to read about and see what great things the Library has done for the community because of support they’ve received from past appeals.

If you would like to be included on the mailing list to receive this special appeal, please direct your request to the Library Director by calling (724) 837-5620 or email gre.funds@wclibraries.org

End of Year Appeal

As the year winds down, the Library mails an end of the year appeal to supporters to share the  impact programs and resources offered by the Library have made for patrons and the community. This letter is the perfect opportunity for GHAL to share their goals for the coming year and extend their thanks. 

If you would like to be included on the mailing list to receive the end of the year appeal, please direct your request to the Library Director by calling (724) 837-5620 or email gre.funds@wclibraries.org

Annual Bingo Bash for Libraries

For the past 10+ years, the Library’s annual Bingo Bash hosted by the Board of Trustees has been a cornerstone of fundraising efforts. Patrons, staff and volunteers look forward to the afternoon of friends, food and fun every year. Traditionally held in early Spring, the Bingo Bash kicks off the year’s major fundraising efforts. Sponsorships are vital to the event’s success.

For more information about the Bingo Bash and sponsorship opportunities, please call the Library Director at (724) 837-5620 or email gre.funds@wclibraries.org

Chick-fil-A® Receipts Reward Program for nonprofits

Chick-fil-A® of Eastgate and Westmoreland Mall offers a rewards program to GHAL to earn food credit to use for Library events. Patrons are encouraged to save their  Chick-fil-A® of Eastgate & Westmoreland Mall receipts and deposit them in the red receipts box inside the Library. GHAL will earn back 20% of the total (before tax) in food credit.

For example, if $500 worth of receipts are collected, GHAL would receive $100 in credit to use toward catering an event. The rewards carry over and never expire. 

How it Works:

  • Begin saving receipts from Chick-fil-A® at Eastgate or Westmoreland Mall (No Greengate receipts accepted).
  • If receipt is digital, email it to yourself, print it, and submit the print-out
  • Place all receipts in the Chick-fil-A® receipt box inside the Library on the main level
  • If you cannot make it to the Library, you can mail your Eastgate and Westmoreland Mall Chick-fil-A® receipts to the Library
    Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, 237 S Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601
  • The Library will enter the order number, date, and pre-tax total on a form that is submitted with the original receipts to Chick-fil-A® of Eastgate
  • If the receipt is not legible, it will not be accepted; nor will receipts that are more than a year old 

Library Contests and Raffles

From time to time, the Library holds a variety of different contests, raffles, tip boards, and other types of sweepstakes. Proceeds from these activities are considered non-restricted funds and as such help sustain normal, daily operation of the Library.  

To request a copy of the Rules for a specific contest, send a self-addressed stamped envelope by {Date} with your request to

Greensburg Hempfield Area Library
237 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Greensburg, PA 15601

If you click on this text, you can view a copy of GHAL’s general contest rules.

Little Library Donation Box

A donation box that looks just like the Library sits on the circulation desk on the main floor of the Library for guests to drop spare change and bills into. Some patrons save their spare change and bring it in to donate once a month. The anonymous donations are greatly appreciated. Every little bit donated helps the Library continue its mission to serve the community. 

Library Libations Gala

Greensburg Hempfield Area Library’s Board of Trustees  hosts the much loved fundraising gala, Library Libations, each year to recognize and honor its loyal supporters and celebrate the Library’s successes throughout the year.

Local businesses and community organizations can play a vital part in the continued success of the Library with sponsorship opportunities. The Library’s success is a result of the support received from the community. This fundraiser  gives GHAL the opportunity to honor and show gratitude. For more information about sponsorship opportunities for Library Libations, please contact the Library Director at (724) 837-5620 or email gre.funds@wclibraries.org

The funds raised by this event go directly to continuing the Library’s mission to enrich the community by promoting literacy and fostering lifelong learning.  Library Libations is the perfect opportunity for attendees to learn more about the products and services offered free of charge to any resident of Westmoreland County.

“At a time when demand for library services is greater than ever, generous financial support from the community makes it possible for the Library to update computers and technology; provide educational and entertaining programs; update collections of books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other popular formats such as our new Wonderbooks and Launchpads; continually make building improvements; and much more.” ~Jamie Falo, Library Director
Collage showing guests of the Library Libations- Welcome to the Big Top fundraising gala enjoying the circus themed decor, games and entertainment: dancing, skee ball, chuck a luck, and face painting.
2024 Library Libations- Welcome to the Big Top filled the Library with circus fun
Collage of photos showing guests and decor at the first Library Libations to be held at the Library after the Covid 19 pandemic shutdown
2023 Library Libations- Celebrating the Classics returned to the Library
Collage of photos showing guests, games, decor and cookies at the Library Libations 2022 Thanks"giving" Gala held at Live! Casino
2022 Library Libations- Thanks"giving Gala held at Live! Casino Pittsburgh
Collage of photos showing guest, decor of the Ernest Hemingway themed Library Libations
2019 Library Libations- Honoring Ernest Hemingway
Collage of photos showing guests, costumes, dancing at the 2018 Library Libations- The Works of Edgar Allen Poe fundraising gala
2018 Library Libations- The Works of Edgar Allen Poe held prior to renovation

Downtown Greensburg Night Market

The Downtown Greensburg Project holds monthly (April through December, weather permitting) outdoor night markets along Pennsylvania Avenue. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of shoppers stroll the street enjoying the community, fresh air, unique finds, great food and drinks, talented entertainment, and other attractions. One of which is the Library’s booth complete with mini used book sale, merchandise table, and sometimes raffle ticket sales.

The Children’s Department hands out information for families and free books children’s books as well as welcomes all ages to spin the prize wheel! Live music is only a few steps away, literally just up the steps on the Library patio, and food trucks with a small dining area in the Library’s staff parking lot next to the building round out the activities on that corner of the block. 

Night Market is the perfect time to stop inside the Library to use the restrooms, sign up for a library card, enjoy the art on exhibit, grab program and event information, and take a look around the historic building.

Find dates and times of upcoming Downtown Greensburg Night Markets on their website at https://greensburgnightmarket.com/

Do you donate to United Way?

Did you know you can designate your United Way donation so that it goes specifically to Greensburg Hempfield Area Library using a contributor choice code? Enter GHAL’s designation code (#1629) on the donation form to support the Library with your United Way donation!

Learn more about United Way’s partnership with the Library on their Building for Success in School and Life webpage at https://unitedwayswpa.org/our-impact/building-for-success-in-school-and-life/

Used Book Sale Options

Guests interested in purchasing used books have a handful of options from which to choose as well as a small selection of free books located on the shelf inside the 3rd Street hallway. All proceeds from used book sales support collection development at the Library. If you need information about donating used books, please refer to the Used Book Donations page at https://www.ghal.org/used-book-donations/

Basement Used Book Sale

Library volunteers organize 3 massive used book sales in the basement of the Library. These sales are typically held in early Spring, mid to late August, and early to mid November. As used books are donated to the Library from community members, volunteers sort, categorize, and then alphabetize by author’s last name each book to ensure the quality of the books and ease of shopping. 

Historically, these used book sales are held for a week at a time with the last day or last 2 days serving as period for shoppers to stock up on bags full of books for only $5 per bag. The Library provides the brown paper shopping bags for consistency, fairness. The Library accepts cash, check, and certain credit cards. Returns and exchanges are not permitted. Go to the event calendar at https://www.ghal.org/calendar/ to search for the exact date and time for upcoming used book sales at GHAL or YAPL.

Quality Book Cart

A cart of specially selected used books is available from time. The books on this cart are selected because of their excellent like-new condition, recent release date, high popularity, or other determining factors. As books sell, new books are added. Simply make your selection and take it to the circulation desk where a librarian will handle the transaction for you. The Library accepts cash, check, and certain credit cards. Returns and exchanges are not permitted. 

Night Market Mini Used Book Sale

For every Downtown Greensburg Night Market, the Library rolls out carts packed with good condition, quality books that serve as a mini used book sale. Night Market shoppers enjoy browsing the titles on the cart and sharing stories with the librarians about their love of reading and their surprise with the amazing low prices for these books. As book sell, new ones are added for the next Night Market mini used book sale. The Library accepts only cash or check at their Night Market table. Returns and exchanges are not permitted. 

Used Book Nook

The Used Book Nook, located in the front corner of the main library and beside the new releases section, always is stocked with used books and movies that have been set aside as popular titles or authors. Simply make your selection and take it to the circulation desk where a librarian will handle the transaction for you. The Library accepts cash, check, and certain credit cards. Returns and exchanges are not permitted.