Friday, December 5, 2008

GREAT GIFTS FOR THE BOOK LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE

The Racine Public Library's Friends of the Library have just what you need for gift giving the book lover in your life. On Saturdays and Sundays (1-3 p.m.) from Dec. 6-Dec. 21, this fund-raising group will sell their popular "Book Lovers" calendar in the Library lobby located at 75 Seventh St. These page-a-day type calendars offer daily excerpts from some of the best books ever written. At $10, the calendars make an inexpensive but thoughtful gift. The Friends will also have their popular book bags available for purchase: small bags are $4 and large bags are $7. All proceeds benefit the Racine Public Library.

The Racine Public Library is blessed to have many community friends, but there have been none more involved for the last twenty-nine years, than the Friends of the Library. During the 1970s when Federal funding for the Library decreased, a Friend's group was organized. Its purpose was to support the library through lobbying on its behalf and by raising funds to provide additional financial support for Library programs and materials.

For several decades, the Friends of the Library have raised many thousands of dollars to supplement Library programs and needs through fall and spring book sales, an on-going book sale in the Library, Monument Square summer sales, and membership dues.

The Friends are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that meets monthly. They decide how to spend the money to benefit the Library's programs and staff needs, and make funds available for new or innovative projects. Such projects have included the Library's DVD rental collection, the annual Summer Reading Challenge, 4th & 5th Grade Battle of the Books, Youth Book Discussion Groups, and the Library's growing Graphic Novel Collection. The Friends also host an annual "Breakfast with the Authors," always open to the public. This important fundraising event makes notable local authors available to guests in an intimate setting and allows old and new members alike to celebrate the Friends' good works.

The Friends of the Library continues to be an important group that any citizen can join to help the Library. Its work sustains quality in Library services and programs. To become a member of this vital group, contact the Racine Public Library at 262.636.9170. Membership fees are tax deductible. Membership dues are as follows:

Individual - $10
Family - $15
Supporter - $25
Life Member - $150
Sponsor - $500

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