How to Love Your Library- February is Library Lovers Month

Consider a tax-deductible gift to your library. Many libraries have memorial programs, endowments and other opportunities to support quality library services. Some other ways you can contribute to your library are:

• Donate your time, money, and expertise to your library.



• Buy your library a subscription to a popular magazine.



• Honor a friend or relatives birthday with book for the library.



• Donate a book...or a whole shelf of books.



• Remember your library in your estate planning.



• Write a check to your library's Foundation/Friends group.



• Give to the library through your company's matching program for charitable giving.



• Join the Friends of the Library, a support group of volunteers who provide fundraising and other assistance for many libraries.



• Donate your used books for the Friends book sale.



• Give the gift of membership to a friend or relative.



• Use your skills to help with programs and fundraising events.



• Volunteer to work in the Friends Library Bookstore or booksale.



• Write to your state and federal legislators and demand that library service be viewed (and funded) as a necessary public service.



• Speak up for libraries at campus or community groups that you belong to - the PTA, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, faculty groups. Invite your librarian to talk about library services and needs.
  

Join the Friends of the Library, a support group of volunteers who provide fundraising and other assistance for many libraries. As a member, you will be kept informed of library funding issues.

• Donate your used books for the Friends book sale.


• Give the gift of membership to a friend or relative.


• Use your skills to help with programs and fundraising events.


• Find new resources for the Friends.


• Volunteer to work in the Friends Library Bookstore or booksale.

Research has shown that everyone loves libraries, but no one thinks about them very much. That's where you come in. You don't have to be a public relations expert to promote your library. You just have to talk about your library. Here are some ways to do it

• Attend local government meetings to urge city and county legislators to invest in libraries as a vital community resource, one that will save substantial tax dollars in helping people of all ages to be more literate and productive
  
• Write to your state and federal legislators and demand that library service be viewed (and funded) as a necessary public service.
  
• Write a letter to the editor of your newspapers or call in to a radio talk show to express your concern.Share your concern with friends, family neighbors and co-workers. Many people are not aware of the funding problems libraries are experiencing nationally - or in their own communities. Encourage others to get involved.
• Write a letter to the editor of your newspapers or call in to a radio talk show to express your concern.
• Speak up for libraries at campus or community groups that you belong to - the PTA, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, faculty groups. Invite your librarian to talk about library services and needs.
  
• Participate in Library Legislative Day Activities.