The Johnson County Library Foundation’s new Give a Gift, Give a Book program offers library-lovers the opportunity to honor friends and family while supporting the Library’s collection in today’s difficult economy. The public is invited to participate by donating funds for books or audio visual materials honoring family members, friends, hard-to-buy-for relatives, favorite teachers or someone special any time of the year (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special events).

For as little as $25, a new book, regular or large print, audio CD or DVD will be purchased and added to the Johnson County Library’s materials collection. In addition to selecting the format of the gift, donors can select a focus or subject area (such as fiction, biography, business) or age group (youth, teen, adult).

Foundation donors Mel and Lore Mallin decided to Give a Gift, Give a Book in honor of the famous audio book narrator George Guidall. Their gift provided 14 new audio books for the Library’s collection.

Mel Mallin commented, “There are so many charitable opportunities available in our community. This gift offered a tangible way to make a direct impact on the community. As a charitable investment, I think this gift offers immediate returns.”

According to Library Foundation Executive Director, the program is a personal way to pay special tribute to someone and help the Library. “Oftentimes people want to recognize a friend or loved one on a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, retirement, or as a thank you, but may not know what type of gift to purchase,” Zerger noted. “Give a Gift, Give a Book honors those in your life with a wonderful gift that keeps on giving because it can be read over and over again by many people in the community.”

County Librarian Donna Lauffer agreed. “Give a Gift, Give a Book offers library patrons a great way to honor friends and family, while strengthening the Library’s collection during these difficult economic times.”

The Johnson County Library Foundation will provide a certificate celebrating your gift and the honoree's name as a memento. For more information, visit the Foundation Web site www.jocolibraryfoundation.org, or call (913) 495-7579.

Give a Gift, Give a Book was created by the Johnson County Library Foundation as part of its mission to enrich the Library’s collection and secure support for life-long learning programs offered at Johnson County Library. The organization, established in 1996, supports collection enrichment, youth homework assistance, art programs, early literacy initiatives, youth-at-risk programs and technology enhancement.