Food, books sought for area pantries

Librarians at the Cook Memorial Public Library District are looking for Santa's helpers this holiday season to donate canned food and new books for local food pantries.

The annual "Food for the Body, Books for the Soul" program asks for donations of both canned goods and unwrapped new books for kids, teens and adults that will be distributed by the Libertyville and Vernon Area Township food pantries.

"We had held separate food and book drives for many years, but last year we put the two together for the first time and it was very well received," said Nancy Hart, an audiovisual library assistant who organizes the book drive. "By collecting both food and books, we provide nourishment for both the mind and the body, which is especially important with the economy the way it is."

Ten years ago, Hart started the collection after learning about a book drive run by a suburban library using the local food pantry to distribute the books.

"I thought this was a great idea for kids - good for kids who had books to be encouraged to share them and good for kids who didn't have books to receive a book that was all their own," she said.

That first year the library collected books for children and donated about eight boxes of new books to the Libertyville Township food pantry. Ten years later, the program has expanded and grown.

The "Donate a Book" drive is now on for books for all ages, from babies to senior citizens, at both the Libertyville and Vernon Area Township food pantries, Hart said.

"For many less fortunate members of our community, this is the first book they will ever own," Hart said. "Donations in Spanish or Russian are appreciated, because we serve those populations."

Hart displays the books in mini-book stores at each food pantry, separating books for children, teens and adults. Library staff members donate their time as well as books and food items, sorting and packing the books and asking local business to display posters. Members of the maintenance crew deliver the books to the food pantries. Library staff members also explain how to apply for a library card and explain about checking out books and DVDs.

Through the years, Hart has received thank you notes from those who have received the books and food. One elementary student was thrilled to find a book that his teacher was reading to his class.

"He now could have a book of his own," Hart said.

Families appreciate the books, according to Kathy Deyerler, who runs the Vernon Area Township pantry and social worker Linda Blatnik, who runs the Libertyville Township pantry.

"The children's books are gone in 15 minutes," Deyerler said.

Blatnik agreed.

"People are happy to choose a book to gives as a Christmas gift to their child. It's very much appreciated," she said.

Drop off items at the main library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville, and at the Evergreen branch facility, 290 Evergreen Drive in Vernon Hills, through December 19.

For more information, visit cooklib.org or call (847) 362-2330.