Hug the Library campaign begun

Friends of the Madison County Public Library are encouraging everyone to “hug” the library during February as the county celebrates Love Your Library Month.

Friends won't be linking arms for this hug, but they will link paper hearts to form a huge chain around the interior of the library. Those who want to help should visit the library to pick up one or more Valentine hearts. Write the name of your Valentine or someone you know who loves books, and give it to the librarian with a donation of a dollar or more. Friends will add it to the chain of hearts going around the inside of the library.

“This is a time for everyone to recognize the important role libraries play in the cultural and economic success of local communities and the nation as a whole,” said Joan Osth, president of Friends of the Library. “In 2007, the ‘hug' made it halfway around the library. “We hope the chain makes the full way around this year.”

Osth suggested other ways to help the library:

€ make a tax-deductible gift;

€ join Friends of the Madison County Library, a support group of volunteers who provide fundraising and other assistance for the public library;

€ volunteer your time, or;

€ promote the library by talking about it to others.

Other activities of Love Your Library Month include a grounds cleanup, held Saturday, Feb. 9, and a brunch in honor of the librarians and volunteers, held Feb. 12. The Friends' general meeting is set for Feb. 21 at noon at the library.

“Stop in the library during the month of February to check out the progress of the hug,” said Osth.

Those wishing more information or to make a donation may contact Osth at 936-399-3187.