Library-loving Blog Challenge

When I was growing up, the Salem Public Library in Salem, Oregon was one of my favorite places to go. I have strong memories of my time spent in the children's area, hanging out with my best friends Betsy and Star, Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and many more. I also remember the summer reading programs. One year they had an elaborate map on a big platform someone built (this just in from BJ, a librarian at the Salem Library: that person is named Linda, and she has been building the summer reading program gameboards for 35 years!!!! Oh my gosh! She must have built that one I remember so vividly all those years ago!). It was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen. I remember sitting and looking at it one day for a LONG time, excited to travel around the various places as I read the necessary number of books.

This week, you'll see a bunch of bloggers participating in what is known as the library-loving blog challenge. Participants are asking you to comment and for each comment, a library will get a monetary gift.

A lot of libraries are really struggling right now. This is one way we can support the important work they do in our communities. I think sometimes we forget that we can help libraries directly, by donating books or money.

So, yes, I'm participating in the challenge, with my donation going to the Salem Public Library, as a way to say thank you for all those wonderful memories I have. I will specifically ask that the money be used for the youth services department. So, for every commenter on THIS post between now and midnight, March 24th, I will donate fifty cents (up to $60). I wish it could be more, but I'm guessing every little bit helps.

So, that's it. You comment, I send the library a gift. If you don't know what to say in your comment, "I love libraries" is just fine.

Please note that my pledge is “per commenter”—so if a single person leaves 50 comments, that still only counts once! But you can do more by spreading the word - feel fee to link to this post, tweet about it, and send your friends here so they can comment and raise more money.

If you’re moved to make a flat-fee donation to your library, or to start your own challenge, you are quite welcome, and please leave that information in the comments. For a complete list of participating bloggers (and to visit other sites where you can help libraries just by leaving a comment!) visit the writerjenn blog at http://writerjenn.livejournal.com/.

As a way of saying thanks for stopping by, I have an Advanced Reader's Copy of SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready that I will give to one lucky commenter after the challenge ends. I'll draw a name and who knows, it could be yours!! SHADE (Simon Pulse) comes out May 4th and believe me, this is going to be a book you do NOT want to miss. It is the perfect combination of mystery, ghosts and romance. You know how much I love ghosts and romance!!

Thanks so much!!