I am not sure if I can get tax credits for my ‘donations’ but I am sure that I have definitely made a significant donation to my local library. I love my local library, and on a recent visit I realized how economic pressures and recent local government cutbacks have really effected the library on so many different levels. We visit our local library often, I like the selection of books and the fact that with a busy family we are sure to find something for everyone. We can find the story tapes, movies, new books all for nothing. I support my local library and often pay quite a bit in overdue fines, which have just happened to go up. I never mind paying those fines, and always joke that this is my donation towards the new library that is supposed to go

up near my home. I have also come to the conclusion that our libraries are in trouble, only the problem is that patronage is also up. The economy has driven a lot of people to the local library. The patrons are there to check out books and movies in an effort to save money, but they are also there to use the computers to update resumes, work on taxes, and entertain their children. Many of the local libraries have reduced hours, increased fines, and even closed some branches. The libraries are so important to our communities and we need to recognize their need for help. Our local library is lucky enough to have a Book Cellar, this is a used book ‘store’ that provides just over $16,000 of revenue for the Library each year. The Book Cellar relies on donations from the community which they then sell on selected dates to the public. The Purcellville Library also has a Bi Annual book sale that helps to raise funds. There is alot you can do to help think about book donations, cash donations or Amazon even has wish lists for the local libraries. Ask your librarian what you can do to help out.