National Library Week Begins with Foundation Fund-raising Challenge

The Corydon Democrat

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Harrison County Community Foundation is celebrating 2006 National Library Week April 1 through 8 with the creation of many endowments that will support the school libraries.

Most schools are participating. During this campaign, HCCF will double-match contributions made to these funds between April 1 and 13. School libraries that raise $5,000 during this campaign will receive $10,000 from the Foundation. The Foundation will offer the traditional dollar-for-dollar match to any amount obtained over $5,000.

"We've set a personal goal of raising $10,000 for each of our libraries. So far, fund-raising is going very well. The kids love getting involved, and our community is always supportive!" said Martha Beckort, media specialist at Lanesville Community School Corp..

Schools all over the Harrison County are coming up with unique and creative ways to get students involved as well as get their community to participate in fund-raising. At Heth-Washington Elementary School, a penny drive was held, and they were able to raise $1,119 in two weeks.

"We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity to raise funds for our library," said Shannon LaClair, librarian at Corydon Intermediate School. "Research shows that those students who read succeed. This is a fantastic chance for our community to invest in the leaders of the future of our students."

Corydon Intermediate School is planning a Scholastic Book Fair on Monday, April 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. The theme is "Camp Read A Book." Boys and Girls Scout troops will serve a camp-themed menu, and there will be a naturalist from O'Bannon Woods State Park who will present a reptile and amphibian demonstration. There will also be a basket auction, along with other activities in which students are involved.

National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958. It is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is recognized as a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation¹s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

Those interested in contributing to any of these endowment funds can contact their school of choice.

For more information, contact the HCCF staff at 738-6668. Donations may be mailed to the Harrison County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 279, Corydon, IN 47112. Place the name of the school endowment in the memo line of the check.