How and why to support your library
Support your local library to keep the many great public
services, educational and entertaining, free and available for
everyone in the community.
Public libraries are wonderful community resources that can
enrich the entire family. From traditional book lending to
providing Internet service and music or magazines, the library
offers a wealth of free entertainment that cannot be matched by
other civic organizations.
To support these great services, why not make a donation of
time, money, or goods? Not only will you feel good about giving
back to an organization that serves you well, you will also
champion others' rights to partake of the library's numerous
offerings.
1. Donate time. Volunteer a few hours of month in a variety of
ways that will match your talents with community needs. For
example, if you enjoy young children and like to read aloud,
offer to participate in organizing a storybook hour for
preschoolers once a week. Giving children the gift of fiction
appreciation will last a lifetime. Work with library staff to
select colorful picture books to read aloud in dramatic or
singsong fashion to the circle of wide-eyed children that will
gather to hear you bring timeless stories to life. If you're
more of a person who likes to work behind the scenes, donate
time cataloguing new books or rewinding returned videos. Set up
a display or update the magazine stacks. Whatever you choose to
do, it is sure to be appreciated by staff and patrons alike.
2. Offer money. If you're looking for a worthwhile local cause
to support, write a check to your community library. Funding
often falls short for the latest family video acquisitions, and
there are always more books that could be purchased and added to
the collection. Your donation might help to staff a part-time
assistant, buy decorating supplies, or even pay the heating
bill. Libraries often get whatever funds are left over after
other major social service agencies receive their share from
organizations like United Way.
3. Drop off unwanted books or videos. If your children are grown
and no longer use the books and videos purchased for them,
donate these items to the library. Other patrons will appreciate
the free use of things they cannot afford to buy. Obviously you
don't want to donate inappropriate materials, but family-related
themes and tasteful classic items will be accepted with much
gratitude. You may even want to pick up some bargains at a flea
market and donate them to the library, possibly for a tax
receipt.
4. Sing their praises. Write a letter to the newspaper editor to
remind everyone in your community about the library's valuable
services. This is especially helpful around election time, as
levies or bonds that must be supported by the local constituency
often fund libraries. A thoughtful comment or two in any public
forum helps to laud the library's ongoing public services to
many, including reading programs, civic events, cultural
enhancement resources, etc.
5. Use the services. If you haven't visited your local library
for a while, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Many public
library systems now provide free computer use to let patrons
check email accounts or conduct online research. A broad
selection of holdings, including books, DVD's, CD's, and other
types of recordings, can be borrowed for personal use. Classroom
teaching aids for home schooling parents or public school
students are available at no charge. Encourage your neighbors to
take advantage of these resources as well.
The library is a great place to broaden your academic, social,
or cultural horizons. Stop in soon and check out the latest
offerings.
You can find more information here:
http://www.tradingideas4you.com/index.html