Naperville libraries collecting pet supplies for humane society

Naperville Public Library is leading a Pet Food and Supply Donation Drive supporting Naperville Area Humane Society, a nonprofit shelter that has worked with the library on programs such as Bark for Books.

Through Nov. 14, library customers can visit any of the three library buildings and donate new pet food or supplies at collection bins located by the entrance doors of each library.

"This is the second year we are hosting the drive," said Carla Eisley, children's services associate and facilitator of the drive. "When the truckload of NPL donations was delivered last year, their food shelves were almost bare."

The humane society is looking for cat litter, dry and canned pet food, rawhides, Kong toys, soft dog treats, and cat treats as well as a variety of other items. A list of suggested donation items will be available at each library location. Donations will not waive customer fines.

"Naperville Area Humane Society relies on the generosity of its community to augment its slim budget," Eisley said. "NAHS cares for and adopts out over 1,000 dogs and cats a year. This is a never-ending job, and all those animals need food and basic supplies."

The library always has had a supportive relationship with the humane society. In addition to the Bark for Books program in which children can read to dogs, the library will work with the humane society to host children's humane education seminars in May, Eisley said.

"Children are so nature poor in this technology age that relationships with animals bring in a bit of the wild into their lives," she said. "In addition, children need to learn that all living things need our support, empathy and care."

For information, visit Naperville-lib.org.