Humboldt Library Foundation Awards $33,000 to
Humboldt County Libraries
All of Humboldt County’s libraries and patrons will benefit from $33,000 in grants recently awarded to the Humboldt County Library from the Humboldt Library Foundation.
The money will be used to purchase books and a microfiche reader, help to expand a branch facility, and improve access for patrons with disabilities.
“Without the Humboldt Library Foundation’s support, these items would need to be covered with other funds or would not be funded at all. The support of the Humboldt Library Foundation for the Humboldt County Libraries is deeply appreciated,” said Victor Zazueta, Library Services director.
Since it was formed in 1996, the Foundation has contributed almost $600,000 to the library system.
This year HLF will fund $20,000 for books, $10,000 for a new state-of-the-art microfiche reader, $2,000 for expansion at the McKinleyville Branch and $1,000 towards the purchase of a handicapped-accessible door in Garberville.
“Each year, the Humboldt Library Foundation makes grants to the county library system to put more books on the shelves, improve programs and services in all of the branches. We raise funds throughout the year and appreciate the generous response from supporters and patrons of the library,” said HLF President, Elizabeth Murguia.
“The public library system is profoundly important – and particularly in today’s tough economy, our libraries offer resources to help people find jobs and learn new skills. Families, parents, seniors and kids find entertainment and information, access the public internet stations, and come to find their place in the community. You only need to visit a branch on any given day and you will witness their value,” she added.
HLF has one major fundraiser every year to raise most of the money for the grants. The Library Gala in December netted more than $30,000. Coast Central Credit Union was the 2009 honoree. It was the first business to receive the Helen Everett Award for its support of the library. The Helen Everett Award was established to recognize individuals or organizations whose contributions improve the quality of public library services in Humboldt County. Everett was a librarian at HumboldtStateUniversity and was a founding member of the committee that worked to build the Main Library, which opened in Eureka in 1995.
HUMBOLDT LIBRARY FOUNDATION CELEBRATES
SUCCESSFUL BUY A BOOK CAMPAIGN
In 2009 the Humboldt Library Foundation (HLF) joined with Arcata Artisans to kick off National Library Month with a new Fund Raising campaign BUY A BOOK. The Arcata Artisans donated art work to make bookmarks that were distributed to friends of HLF and to library patrons throughout the county. Each branch and the book mobile distributed the free bookmarks promoting the Buy A Book campaign.
The response to the campaign has been amazing. Two sets of Arcata Artisan bookmarks have been issued along with a special bookmark for the annual Holiday Gala. Supporters of HLF have responded by contributing over $9900 to buy nearly 400 books.
Several contributors bought an entire shelf of books ($500):
Mac and Ann McClary (2 shelves)
Richard Cogswell and Ester Saunoras
Mona Beaver
Robert & Nancy Gardner
Mercer Fraser (Justin Zabel)
Books were purchased in honor of friends, in memory of loved ones and one grandmother purchased books to honor her three grandsons. Garfield School Children raised $100 for books. At Christmas time two groups and several individuals purchased books for the library in lieu of gifts for each other.
Another bookmark will be available soon and books may be purchased at any time --
With a $25 contribution a book will be purchased for the library collection. Contribute in $25 increments - you can even buy a shelf of books for $500. Each book will bear a bookplate with your name or that of a person you wish to honor. You can contribute by mailing a check to Humboldt Library Foundation at PO Box 440EurekaCA95502 or by donating on line at our website humboldtlibraryfoundation.org.
