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San Luis Obispo County libraries circulated more than two million items last year; double the number from the previous year. The number of people who received new library cards increased by 10 percent in 2009 and such online services as downloadable books rose 35 percent. Despite increased library use, budgets have been cut, impacting hours, staffing, and the purchase of new material. Brian Reynolds, director of the library, explained, “There is nothing I can do about the budget reductions. We depend on our support groups to raise money while we identify where that money is most needed.” The Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries, a group of 12 volunteers, is working to raise least $25,000 to help sustain the high quality of the library system at a time of unprecedented need.
Money raised by the foundation will broaden access to library resources when the buildings aren’t physically open. Unfortunately, the foundation’s charter does not allow the money raised to be spent on staffing, so extending library hours directly as a result of contributions is not possible. Instead, funds raised will boost the library’s virtual realm. Proposed programs include online magazine and newspaper subscriptions, eBooks, a book review service called BookLetters, and new audiobooks. In addition, “place request” fees will be subsidized. Moreover, workshops will make these high-tech resources accessible.
There are 15 library branches in the county, including remote areas where the library functions as the sole cultural resource center. Donations will help establish wireless Internet at all local branches, among them San Miguel.
The foundation believes strong libraries make strong communities. Send donations to the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries, P.O. Box 12942, San Luis Obispo 93406, donate online via slolibraryfoundation.org, or call 546-1392.
Fast Facts
Animal Shelter Adoption Partners (ASAP) is urging pet owners to tag and chip their creature friends. Toward that objective, The Join The Pack campaign has recruited help from area merchants who are accepting coupons for discounts on tags and other services. “Pets with visible ID are usually returned home by neighbors or Animal Control officers, avoiding a trip to the pound,” said Terry Parry, CEO of ASAP. “That leaves space for the truly homeless animals waiting for adoption.” See JTPNOW.org for coupons …
Registration for the Atascadero Junior Volleyball league ends March 5. Two leagues are offered: third through sixth graders and players from 11 to 16 years old. Sponsors and coaches are needed! To register and for more information call 461-5000 or visit atascadero.org/youthsports ...
March is Pay-it-Forward month at K-Jon’s Fine Jewelers in Atascadero. The store is soliciting donations of canned food for local free pantries from March 1 to March 14. Donors will get a ten percent credit on any purchase. On March 18, a bus will park in front of the store for blood donors. Contact K-Jon’s at 466-7248 for details …
Mark your calendars! The eighth annual Dazzling Diamond Ball at the Embassy Suites Hotel in SLO will be held on Saturday night, March 27. The black tie event takes place in a ballroom transformed into Treasure Island’s Pirates Cove and includes a champagne reception, a dinner by Chef Tim Hulbert, and music by the Oasis Band. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of ten. Proceeds benefit hospice patients and their families. For tickets call Hospice Partners at 782-8608 …
The San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society and the San Luis Obispo Library are offering a series of hands-on computer genealogy classes to help people research their ancestry. The first class will take place on Friday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the computer lab on the second floor of the library at 995 Palm St. in SLO.
Intern Alycia Kiley wrote Strokes&Plugs this week. Send your business and nonprofit news to [email protected].
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