Did you know that each year we spend around $40,000 on new books and other physical items for the library? Every book you check out has been selected, purchased, cataloged, and processed by library staff so that you and many others can enjoy it! Other than staff costs, this is one of our largest budget areas, and donations help us grow a bigger and better collection.

Did you know that almost every week throughout the entire year we host a preschool storytime program? Every Wednesday at 11am we know Ms. Julie’s storytime friends will come bouncing in the doors, excited to say hello to Coraline (our library leopard gecko) and then settle in for stories, songs, and crafts. This event helps nurture a life-long appreciation for books and reading and gives local families a place to gather and get to know each other.

Did you know we offer free copy, printing, and faxing services for job seekers, students, and people applying for aid programs? Twenty cents a page may not seem like a lot, but it can make a big difference for someone struggling. Your donation helps us cover the cost of paper, toner, and copy machine maintenance to help us keep offering this service to those that need a helping hand.

Did you know that once a week our Assistant Director Erin Ross and Board Vice President Deb Miner deliver books to people who can’t make it into the library? This program brings the world to people through books, audiobooks, movies, and more, and provides vital social connections as well (our home-delivery patrons love to visit with Erin, and sometimes send treats back with her for the whole staff!). A donation to this program helps cover mileage and staff time so we can continue to offer this vital service.

You know you love the Library of Things! This part of our collection has been well-loved since we added it in 2021. And with all that love comes normal wear and tear on our items. Did you know our Library of Things Coordinator Wendy Chapman does almost all of the equipment maintenance in-house? She sharpens blades, makes repairs, replaces worn parts—you get the idea! Your donation helps cover these ongoing needs and unexpected repairs for a month.

Did you know we have a Bookmobile? In 2024, the Little Bucks Bookmobile was donated to the library so that we could continue the program in honor of its founder, Buchanan Community Schools teacher Wendy Murphy, who passed away in 2024. Since taking ownership of the vehicle, we have been making needed upgrades, putting on two new tires and fixing a problem with the batteries. This year, we need two more tires, regular maintenance, and to gas it up to make it to local parks and other locations around Buchanan!

In 2022, with the help of a Libraries Transforming Communities grant from the American Library Association, we launched One Book, One Buchanan, a community-wide reading program that brings our town together once a year to read and discuss one book. Since then, we have sustained this program with local grants and donations, and we need your help to keep it strong! Last year we welcomed a new partner (in addition to One Buchanan), Glendora Bookshop! Your donation helps support book purchases for this program, which now are purchased from our local bookshop, which strengthens the program and keeps your donations in our community.