Lake County Library District

LAKEVIEW, Ore.—May 22, 2021— The Christmas Valley Branch Library received a total of $1,234.25 in donations to the “Book” Budget in March, surpassing the $500 match challenge issued by local private donors through the We Can Foundation. Including the match, donors raised $1,734.25 to benefit the branch library, a significant help in keeping new books on the shelves.
 
“With this extra funding from the community, we can add about 10 to 12 extra new books onto the Christmas Valley shelves each month over the next 10 months,” said Amy Hutchinson, Library Director. “We’re excited to be able to add more titles in some of the favorite reading areas of Christmas Valley patrons like cozy mysteries, Christian fiction, thrillers, and nonfiction items to do with homesteading, living off grid, and learning about the natural world,” said Hutchinson.
 

The statewide average for public library spending on items such as books, audiobooks, videos, and downloadable and online materials is 9.3%. The Lake County Library District’s current fiscal year budget spends only 3.6% on these types of materials for public use. “The library’s tax base was essentially flat for 8 years prior to this one, and rising expenses ate into library services. Local donations of cash and gently used books have made all the difference for our readers in these difficult years,” said Hutchinson.
 
So far, the library has received a total of $3,716.00 in donations for the “Book” Budget in the current fiscal year. If a donor indicates a preferred library location, that library location will see new items on their shelves first. All items rotate among all library locations. Donations may be made in person at any local library or by sending a check with a note indicating it is for the “Book” Budget to Main Library, 26 South G St, Lakeview, OR 97630. Questions about the library may be directed to Amy Hutchinson at the Main Library at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org.