When the Winston County Friends of the Library recently learned their application for a grant to purchase large-print books had not been approved, members were disappointed — but not for long. The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library’s Friends of the Library organization learned of the need and offered to donate 12 boxes of large-print books to the library in Louisville.
Columbus Friends’ board member and treasurer Josie Shumake delivered the books April 9 to an appreciative library staff and volunteers in Louisville. Shumake also serves as secretary of the statewide Friends of Mississippi Libraries Inc.
“This is really unbelievable,” said Winston County librarian Beth Edwards. “What a nice gesture by a fellow library to help us out with so many great books for our large-print collection.”
The Louisville library has experienced increasing demand for large-print books.
“They are very expensive to purchase, between $35 and $40 each book,” Edwards said. “I can’t say thank you enough to the Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.”
The Friends group in Columbus was glad to help fill a need with books not in current circulation at the local library due to updating and replacement.
“We were just thrilled to do it,” Shumake remarked. “It’s good to look for opportunities for cooperation among libraries. I really feel like this was a big win-win for both libraries. It made me happy to find a new happy home for the books.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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