Residents can adopt a library publication

If you've ever wanted to give the public library money to build a wing named in your honor but couldn't find enough cash, don't give up on those philanthropic goals.

The Carson City Library has an easier way to be recognized for good deeds and donations in its adopt-a-periodical program.

Started in 1981 by Library Director Sally Edwards, the program allows people to donate subscriptions to the library. Subscriptions range in price from magazines like Ladies Home Journal for $17 to the newspaper Christian Science Monitor for $168.

"Without this support from people who sponsor periodicals, we wouldn't have a collection nearly this size," Edwards said.

The donations account for half of the $12,000 it takes to keep the library stocked with current magazines and newspapers. Last year 59 donors sponsored 105 of the library's 250 periodicals for a total of $5,300.

All donors receive a sticker emblazoned with their name on each issue for the year.

"This has been a really good program that has certainly benefited the whole community," Edwards said. "Something people like is that they can spend as little as $10 and help us or as much as $1,500 to help us. But all the money stays here to help this little library. When it comes to charitable donations, everything is not that simple. With this, they can see for a year where they've helped."

About 60 titles are waiting to find a sponsor. Four organizations have sponsored a magazine since the program started.

The Carson City Retired Teachers Association, The Sagebrush Garden Club, the America Association of University Women and the Carson City Rotary Club have supported the program for 19 years.

Call 887-2245 ext. 1007 to adopt a periodical. All gifts to the library are tax deductible, and checks can be made to the Carson City Library Gift Fund.

For more information on adopting a magazine or other periodical, contact Sally Edwards at 887-2044 ext. 1007 or stop by the Carson City Library at 900 N. Roop St.