The Friends of the Library have offered a challenge grant and now is an excellent time for you to help build the book collection for your libraries in the East Bonner County Library District. The Sandpoint Library, the Clark Fork Library, the bookmobile and the Outreach program are heavily used and need new books to help meet the demand.

The Friends of the Library will match up to $5,000 in donations. This means that every dollar donated will result in two dollars for the library collection, benefiting the whole community. The target date for meeting this challenge is December 31. Donations made by December 31 can be claimed on 2004 tax returns. Idaho offers a special tax credit for donations to libraries, which can be claimed even if one does not itemize. Information on the tax credit is available at the libraries and at accountants’ offices. By donating to the library district and claiming the tax credit, citizens can redirect part of their taxes to their local community instead of the state treasury in Boise.

For more information about the Book Challenge, ask at one of the libraries or the bookmobile, contact the library district at 263-6930, or read our brochure.  Donors may designate their contributions for a particular branch library or type of collection. Details are in the Book Challenge brochure. These donations will purchase new books to enrich the lives of children and adults alike.