Schipske and her staff will be taking donation boxes to 5th district businesses where customers are encouraged to round up their spare change and make a donation. The funds are then given to the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library, which in turn gives them to librarians at both the El Dorado and Bach libraries. Prior funds collected have enabled the branches to replenish Western paperbacks.
As many as 30 businesses have participated in previous years in the effort. That number is significantly expected to rise as local businesses become more aware of the cause to help fund the libraries. Schipske is inviting all local businesses in District 5 to display the spare change boxes at the front of their establishments, in hopes of doubling the number of stores involved in the Library Round-Up campaign.
The round-up this year coincides with National Library Week, sponsored by the American Library Association. This year’s theme is “You Belong at Your Library,” and libraries across the country will host programs and events to showcase the variety of resources they offer people of all ages.
“Our initiative represents the association’s noble cause, and as well, the camaraderie between all businesses and fellow constituents in our district, helping one another support our most precious civic centers,” said Schipske. “Today’s libraries help level the playing field by making both print and digital information affordable, available and accessible to all people. Libraries provide cultural heritage and genealogical collections, materials in print and electronic formats, job-seeking resources, English-as-second-language and citizenship classes, and many other creative and resourceful programs.”
Businesses that would like to participate by having their own Library Round-Up box and display are encouraged to contact Schipske’s office at (562) 570-6932.
