How many books can $4,000 buy?
Paul Shaver, Director of Library Services at Bruton Memorial Library, knows the answer: 412.
The book donation was a result of a $4,000 matching grant the Elks Lodge received from the Florida State Elks Association following the group securing a $4,000 Beacon Grant it won from the Elks National Foundation to benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
While the money from the Beacon Grant was spoken for, the money from the matching grant could be used for another project.
“One of our members brought it up at a board meeting that the library could use new books,” said Elks Exalter Ruler George Domedion. “The board voted to use the grant for that purpose. It was taken to the floor of the lodge, and the body of the lodge voted to do that with the grant.”
An Elks member contacted Shaver, who had been working on a mobile library outreach program that goes out into the community, to schools and events, helping residents sign up for library cards and distributing donated books. He wanted to expand the program so that books dedicated specifically for the mobile library would be available for people, particularly young adults, to check out.
After discussing what type of books would be best suited for the program, Elks members decided the funds should be spent on books about history, patriotism and science. “Books we definitely wanted to distribute were anything in the STEM field, books to help people understand history and civic responsibility and what it means to be citizens,” said Shaver. “The books are in-line with the Elks mission too and so it was a win-win.”
The Library purchased the books and Elks members presented the check to Shaver this week. “It can be difficult to raise funds for books that we’re not going to circulate in-house so we’re appreciative of this donation because now we can check out books off-site,” said Shaver.
Library staff will have iPads and laptops on hand while at mobile events so patrons can check out the new books.
For more information about Bruton Memorial Library visit plantcitygov.com/library. For more information about the Elks Lodge visit elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=1727.