Donations to your local library offer good returns

A donation to your local library is indeed a gift the entire community can enjoy.  And, unlike gifts of stocks or bonds, the value of your investment to your library multiplies even in sparse economic times.  All it takes are readers and viewers.  For example, in 2009 one book purchased with a $35 donation was read by approximately five people in the Neill Public Library community.  Shazam!  The value of that $35 investment just increased to $175.  A DVD purchased with a $50 donation was viewed by approximately five people.  Shazam, again!  The value of that $50 donation just increased to $250.  Darn good returns if you ask me.

To keep these good returns coming, I am excited to unveil four new library donation programs.  These programs are geared to help make the most of your monetary investments, will supplement our library budget, and will help us navigate these turbulent economic seas.

Get on the MAP:  MAP is our Materials Adoption Program.  You can make a designated donation to Children or Adult print or nonprint (DVDs, books on CD, downloadable ebooks and audiobooks) collections.  You can also directly purchase items to add to the library’s collection using our Amazon Wish List.  Librarians will add to this list throughout the year and any donations received for our MAP program will be “mapped” in a BIG way at the library for everyone to see!

We’re sending out an SOS:  to Sponsor Our Subscriptions, that is!  You or your organization can donate funds to purchase a year’s worth of any magazine or newspaper title from the library’s list.  Check our library’s website for this list. 

Help with our GPS:  GPS stands for Generous Programming Support.  You can donate funds to support the library’s youth and adult programs like Summer Reading and author events.

Make a “Sea Change” @ Your Library:  When you visit the library, you and your family can deposit your “doubloons” into coin jars at our service desks.  The money collected will be used to support library materials and programs.  Every coin counts!

In addition to these four new programs, there are many other fabulous traditional ways to support your library.  Donate your gently used books, CDs and DVD titles.   Shop for used items at the Friends of Neill Public Library Book Sale.  Join the Friends of Neill Public Library.  Challenge your coworkers to fundraise for the library and ask your employer to match those funds.  Make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one or special friend.

In my last article I mentioned that in recognition of the library’s budget shortfalls, the Friends pledged $9,300 for library materials and $6,200 for programming.  Well, the good news continues!  The Friends are busy putting the final touches on a donation program of their own – to further help the library in its time of need.  Watch for exciting details to come!

So, grab your compass, your coins and your goodwill and head on down to Neill Public Library.  A plethora of donation options await you and the library community needs your help.

Joanna Bailey

Temporary Library Services Manager

published in Moscow-Pullman Daily News 1-8-11