Anticipating a Budget Shortfall, Springfield Library Starts "Buy a Book" Program

The Springfield Public Library needs your help. In exchange, it is offering a modicum of literary fame.

Faced with a looming budget crunch and a need to keep its shelves stocked, the library has started the Buy-a-Book program, where residents can buy books and other materials for the library, or make direct donations.

Springfield’s librarians have assembled wish lists of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials they would like added to the library’s collection but cannot afford to purchase. Library patrons can browse the wish list display charts in the library and select an item.

If you donate the price of a book or DVD on the list, purchase price, the book will be purchased and a book plate with the your name will be placed in the book or other item. 

It doesn’t necessarily have to be your name in the book. The library suggests that the Buy a Book program can be used to honor someone on a birthday, anniversary or in memoriam. Or, the library suggested in a release, you could use the program to make a child happy by putting a child’s name in a beloved book.

“We anticipate our 2011 library materials budget to be cut more than 50 percent from the highest level that occurred in 2008,” Springfield Library Director Susan Permahos said in a release. “Rather than have empty new book shelves, we are reaching out to our community for help.”

Donations can be accepted at any time that the library is open. If you can’t make it to the library, you can send $20 to purchase a children’s book, $30 to purchase an adult book or $15.00 to purchase a DVD or compact disc. The library will notify you when they select a book.