Adopt-a-Book campaign almost halfway there

Three weeks into its largest fundraising campaign, Western Counties Regional Library is closing in on the halfway mark of its 2008 Adopt-A-Book campaign.



As of Thursday, April 17, the 10 branches had 429 books adopted for their shelves. The library’s goal is to have 1,000 new books and other library material on the shelves by the end of June.



“We’re extremely pleased with the way the campaign is unfolding so far.” says Gary Archibald, chairman of the regional library board.



Supporters of all 10 branches have come forward, including municipal government, businesses, service clubs and individuals, he says.



Donations have ranged from $500 from TD Canada Trust to an ongoing piggy bank collection by children attending the Pre-School Story Time program at the Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library in Digby.



“Every little bit helps,” says Archibald.



Support groups such as the Friends of the Library are putting together special events in support of their library branches. From Mother’s Day teas to plant and bake sales, the Friends groups will be holding Adopt-A-Book fundraisers throughout the campaign.



People and organizations can choose from a long list of new books and then adopt them for the branch of their choice. Every book adopted will have a name plate acknowledging the adoption placed inside the front cover of the book.



The average price of a book is between $25-30, but books are available for as little as $5. In the last decade the library has raised over $140,000 through its Adopt-a-Book campaign, which has been sponsored by CJLS Radio since its inception.



For information about the Adopt-a-Book campaign visit any branch library, or go online at www.westerncounties.ca Libraries are located in Yarmouth and Pubnico in Yarmouth County, Westport, Digby, Weymouth, and Meteghan in Digby County; and Barrington, Clark’s Harbour, Shelburne and Lockeport in Shelburne County.



Here are the numbers so far:



Week Ending: April 18

Total books adopted this week: 179

Total books adopted to date: 429

Dollar value to date: $9,936.46