Indian Trails Library relaunches Book and a Buck
In 1958, a group of passionate library supporters were determined to bring a public library to the growing suburb of Wheeling. Led by Muriel Lischett, the group went door to door collecting 2,000 books and $450, and the "Wheeling Public Library" was born.
What better way to celebrate 60 years of serving the community than acknowledging the past by paying it forward as a way to honor those volunteers in 1958 who worked tirelessly to bring a library to the community.
"We thought about what would best recognize the great strides we have made since our beginning in 1958, and came up with the idea of bringing back the Book and a Buck drive, but donating the books to another library in Illinois that could use the material," said Brian Shepard, executive director at the Indian Trails Library.
"We looked at several libraries in Illinois, and after talking with Trisha Scott, director at Beardstown Houston Memorial Library, we decided we could help them build up their popular material collection."
"We have a small budget to buy materials for the library," said Scott, "and it's difficult to keep popular material on the shelves for our patrons. The call from Indian Trails was such a great surprise."
On June 1, the Indian Trails Library relaunched the Book and a Buck drive to collect donations of new adult print books, DVDs and Blu-rays that will be delivered to the Beardstown Houston Memorial Library in Beardstown, Illinois.
The Indian Trails Library Foundation also placed a donation box in the lobby, where members are encouraged to toss in a buck or two. All monies collected will be used to fund Indian Trails Library programs and services.
"The Indian Trails Foundation is instrumental in our ability to fund items that fall outside our normal budget," Shepard said. "In the past, they've purchased summer reading books for children and equipment for our makerspace, as well as serving as strong advocates for our library.
"We are very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic group of volunteers supporting us."
As of Sept.14, $331 had been raised and 113 books sent to Beardstown Library. The goal is $500 and 200 books by Oct. 20. In addition to the drive, the library will be hosting a photographic display of the history of the library this fall.
"I'm so amazed at what the Indian Trails Library community is doing for us," Scott said. "Being able to add new material to our collection will help our residents. We are so thankful."
Books for Beardstown may be dropped off during library hours at the Checkout Desk. Only new books can be accepted. To learn more about Beardstown Library and get purchase suggestions, visit www.itpld.org, and click on Book and a Buck.
The Indian Trails Public Library District serves 67,000 in the communities of Wheeling, Buffalo Grove and Prospect Heights.
For informaiton, contact: Susan Dennison at sdennison@itpld.org or (847) 279-2222.