Union County Library System

The three libraries in the federated Union County Library System provide free access to materials, services and programming that is valuable for the continued education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government of residents. There are a variety of ways to support the individual sites.

• Respond to your library’s fund drive campaign. The Trustees of each library appeal to residents and other supporters a few times a year through direct mailings. Donors are an important source of the energy and funding that allows the libraries to serve residents with a diverse collection, Internet access on public computers, and programming for children, teens, and adults in a secure atmosphere.
• Help your library through planned giving. Planned gifts, such as donations made through estates, trusts, annuities, stock, or any other asset transfers should be viewed as a way to help your library and your community well into the future. For those who are unsure how much of their assets they may need during their lifetime, a bequest may be the best option. For those who are tired of the market’s volatility, a charitable gift annuity or trust may be the best plan. Please contact the director of your library to discuss your ideas.
• Take part in your library’s book sale.  Each of the three libraries holds at least one sale per year of surplus used materials. (The West End Library sometimes holds a combination book/yard sale.) You can help by donating books and other library materials and by going to the sales to purchase items for yourself or others at bargain prices.
• Participate in the various fundraising events that are held by the three libraries. Special events include auctions, magazine and book “adoptions,” and even jewelry sales. Check the Events Calendar to find out more about upcoming fundraisers, or call or visit your library.
• Sponsor a library program. Individuals and businesses may sponsor a single event, such as a educational program, or a series of events and activities, such as the summer reading program, by contacting the director of a library.
• Designate a library as your United Way charity. The mission of United Way is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. To this end, the Union County United Way supports a number of local non-profit organizations, including The Public Library for Union County, Herr Memorial Library, and West End Library. If your employer participates in the United Way withholding program, you have the ability to designate the library of your choice as your charity when you sign up. Just a few dollars a week adds up to a meaningful amount over the course of a year!
• Volunteer at your library. There are many opportunities to help out by donating your time and talents. Contact the director of your library for more information.