Posts

Reasons to Support Your Local Libraries

Public library systems all around the U.S. have a lot to offer communities and local residents. Even if you haven’t heard of all the benefits that your own library has to offer, there are several fantastic reasons to support them, such as our very own Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL)!

It’s a Great Way to Give Back to Your Community

When you show support for the library, you aren’t just supporting one organization or building: you’re offering help and participating in a foundation that the community relies on.

Many residents utilize the library’s programs to continue their education after their school age years, teach children about the wildlife nearby, or to research and study for college exams. Supporting your local libraries allows them to sustain (and grow!) these community programs.

Libraries Are a Wealth of Knowledge & Entertainment

Where would many of us be without the information we find in our libraries? Truth be told, knowledge is available not only on the shelves in the library these days, but also online and in the minds of experienced librarians.

But the libraries are also a great place for entertainment, especially for children and families. Several JCPL locations have arts and crafts classes, movie times, author readings and other visits from experts nearby!

Check out their online calendar to see just how many events occur almost every day of the year!

Government Funding Isn’t Always Available

Unfortunately, many states, counties and cities have cut back on budget spending for local library systems. This means that they need extra support from individuals and groups who care about education and community resources!

Libraries Boost the Economy

That’s right: libraries can also add to the economy, since they are a resource for local individuals and businesses. But they also provide jobs to those in the public library system, and even offer a place where many people spend time applying for jobs!

How to Show Support for Our Libraries in Jefferson County

  1. Visit the library! The more that locals use their library’s resources and programs, the easier it is for the public library to ask for both public and private funding.
  2. Volunteer for events and programs!
  3. Become a member of the library and you’ll have access to millions of book and article titles, dozens of local education programs and a whole lot more.
  4. Become a Friend of the Jefferson County Public Library!
  5. Vote for local representatives who support the library’s initiatives through government funding.
  6. Donate good quality used books to the Jefferson County Library Foundation! Proceeds from these book donations support the public library in many ways.
3 Great Reasons to Donate Your Old Books

Even in today’s high-tech world, traditional hard copy books still have the amazing ability to offer inspiration, insight and education. And sometimes, there’s just nothing better than holding a book in your hand, rather than a cell phone or a tablet.

But what if you have too many books that you no longer need? Then it may be time to let them find new owners!

Below are some fantastic reasons why you should donate good quality used books to the Jefferson County Library Foundation!

Donating Good Books Gives Them Extra Purpose

Yes, even those you cherish so much and would have a hard time parting with!

When you donate your books, you allow the opportunity to let those texts have new life. Whether they end up in the hands of a young teen looking for an exciting new story to read, or they become part of a collection on someone else’s shelf, donating your books expands their purpose and influence in a fascinating way.

You Can Support Your Local Library System

If you donate good books to JCLF, you are — in effect — supporting all of our public libraries in Jefferson County, Colorado!

We collect these books (and good quality CDs, DVDs and vinyl records!) for our book sales, which helps raise money in support of early childhood literacy, technology, education and other programs held at various libraries in our system. And for those that are rare collectibles or vintage books, we are happy to sell them online via our JCLF storefront — Jeffco Friends — to increase the monies we raise in support of Jefferson County Public Library!

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning

Have a few (or a bunch) of great books sitting on a shelf? Clear out the space by bringing in books by the box-load at our donation center in Wheat Ridge!

Or if you’re downsizing into a new home, consider going through your book cases to see which ones you think others will love reading as much as you did.

PLUS, your contributions are tax deductible, and we will give you a receipt for your tax purposes!

It’s a win-win for everyone.

Ready to Donate? Come by JCLF!

At the Jefferson County Library Foundation, our goal is to support and enrich the resources and services our library system provides to the community. Help us continue to achieve our mission by donating your good quality used books, CDs, DVDs and vinyl records! (Sorry, we do not accept VHS tapes, cassettes or magazines!) We will accept  donations Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at:

10790 W. 50th Avenue, Suite 200
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033