Donations are practical way to show thanks for library

The New York Times newspaper recently selected Wayne Gunter, director of the East Bonner County Library District, to receive an award in New York City on Nov. 16 for being one of the nation's outstanding librarians. This is not only a prestigious award for Wayne, but is actually a great honor for the entire community and provides national recognition of the quality of service provided by our local libraries.

This community has an award-winning library because of a determination by Mr. Gunter, library trustees and staff, over many decades, to give residents and taxpayers the best possible "bang for their buck." It is also successful because people use their libraries — and they use East Bonner County Libraries a lot. In the past fiscal year, more than half a million library books, magazines, recordings, films, etc. were checked out, setting a new record for the bookmobile, Clark Fork and Sandpoint libraries that comprise the district, and would stretch nearly 79 miles (from Sandpoint to Spokane) if laid end to end.

If you are as proud of our libraries as we are, and would like to show additional support in a practical way, a donation to the library district's travel budget could help cover a portion of the unanticipated expense of allowing Wayne to travel to New York to receive this award. Donations to the public library may also qualify as charitable gifts, with a resulting tax credit. Ask your income tax consultant for details.

Donations may be forwarded to: East Bonner County Library District, 1407 W. Cedar St., Sandpoint ID 83864-2052, and should be designated for the purpose(s) that a donor intends.

BOB and VELTA ASHBROOK

Sandpoint