More Hours and More Books!

First, let's talk about hours.

The county commissioners have found money in the county budget to reopen all the branches on Monday. That is terrific news. 

Monday openings will happen starting in January. The commissioners made the decision after hearing from so many library patrons who want libraries open as much as possible. 

Quick fact: did you know almost 170,000 people have library cards in Washington County? That's out of 240,000 total county residents. 

Second, let's talk about books.

Our "2012 in 2012" campaign has raised enough money to buy 2012 books this year.  The total so far just tops $14,000 — and library administration has told us that is enough money to purchase 2,012 children's books. The cost for children's books, at the Library's bulk discount, is anywhere from $4 to $9 per book. Do the math, and they can buy 2,012 books.

That said, we'd like to raise a bit more. Why? Well, for one thing, near the top of the Library's list of book needs is large print books for adults with vision impairments. Those books are pricey — even for the Library — around $24 each.

So for the next 3 weeks, we're going to work hard at finding folks who are interested in "topping off" our campaign, so to speak. The more money we raise, the more large print books can be included.  Go to www.librarypartners.org for more information.  Or just email us at wclibrarypartners@gmail.com.

So... more hours AND more books for our libraries!  2013 is looking better already.