Friends of WMRLS Honor Someone Special

The public’s response to the Friends of WMRLS’ “Honor Someone Special” bookmobile project has been generous. In November, information packets with a supply of donation forms went out to every public library in the Western Region. Members of the public have responded using the donation forms found on libraries’ circulation desks. The project got a further boost when a splendid feature article appeared in the December 7th issue of Springfield’s The Republican, titled Book Service Strained by Elizabeth Roman. Over $2400 has been donated as of this writing, and more is anticipated as the project continues into the new year. The funds will be used to purchase children’s books for the bookmobile, which now serves 76 towns and villages throughout Western Massachusetts.

So far, the 52 contributors (3 from out-of-state) represent 22 different Western Massachusetts cities and towns. Of these, 9 are towns that receive bookmobile service. As the project continues, we hope to see this number increase. We are pleased to note that so many contributors come from towns that do not themselves receive bookmobile service.

Contributions have ranged from $260 from the Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library to $200 from Anonymous (Bless you!) to $20, which is the more typical donation. It is really gratifying to see this kind of support, and touching to see people so ready to honor, celebrate and remember friends and loved ones in this way.

The Hatfield branch of the Bank of Western Massachusetts is also to be congratulated and thanked for inviting Friends of WMRLS to set up an “Honor Someone Special” display table (with donation forms) during the holidays to increase public awareness of the bookmobile project. It was a nice example of partnership and of opportunities to get the word out into other venues in our local communities.

Please remember – this project is ongoing. Keep those pink donation forms on the circulation desks and, where possible, place them at other sites in the community.For the love of your bookmobile!

~ Louise Kanus, Secretary/Clerk, Friends of WMRLS