County Libraries Ask Patrons to Give Back

Giving back to a local library often means returning that closet stash of overdue books. But until April 16,  the Prince William Public Library System is offering local patrons the opportunity to donate books, CDs or DVDs to their local library through the annual Love My Library event.

“Because of recent budget cuts, the library is limited in how much they can add,” said Jennifer Harden, supervisor of the . “Any little bit [donated] is one more item we can offer the patrons.”

Donors can choose an item from the pre-selected lists at each library and fill out a nameplate for each item they donate. Donors can also choose to items in the name of someone else, such as a deceased loved one.

The county library administrators create individualized lists for each library based on the needs and lending patterns of that particular library.

“Dale City: what do they need? What would they enjoy having more of?” county library administrator Jean Ross said. “The people who choose books for the collection think about what an individual library needs. Do they need some more board books? Have they used up all their copies of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird?’ Do their patrons really enjoy audiobooks?”

As head of materials management for the county library system, Ross typically supervises these duties.

“They try to gather up selections that are varied in price or interest,” Ross said. “There could be a softcover that’s $3.95 or a hardcover that’s $25.”

Ross has a personal interest in this year’s Love My Library. Long-time staffer Janice Eisenhart passed away in December of last year after working for 30 years as a children’s assistant at Central Community Library in Manassas. Ross plans to donate a few of Eisenhart’s favorite children’s books, to honor Eisenhart’s faithful service to the library.

Harden has also donated every year to Love My Library. Two years ago, when her father passed away, she donated books in his name.

If library patrons wish to donate an item not represented on the list of selections, Harden said, they can request that county administrators add the desired item to the list. Patrons can also donate money directly to the library, and request that the money be applied to a specific need.

So far, two patrons have donated to the Dale City Neighborhood Library during this year’s Love My Library event. Harden estimates that over 50 items were donated during last year’s Love My Library event, and hopes that at least 50 items will be donated before April 16.

To donate, visit your closest Prince William County library, fill out one of the displayed cards featuring your desired item, and take it to the circulation desk. Payments can be made by cash or check only. All donors receive a reusable Love My Library bag featuring art work by local architect and artist, Paul Econa. For more information, call county library administrators at 703-792-6100.