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GoodWitch58

Beach Fanatic
Oct 10, 2005
4,816
1,921
The library is hard up and the librarians are as frustrated as we are.

I was thinking that it would be cool if the library could have a wishlist on Amazon or Sowal and people could just buy those books for the library.

If I knew what they needed, I am sure I could find some of the titles in Mama Scooterbug's bookclub books, my shelves, or just buy them. I give them my airport reads already.

Haven't noticed a major lack of "new" books - they have a great selection IMO and I keep finding new authors or new books from my faves.

I think this is an excellent idea. In fact, there are probably many ways that the community would support the library if the word got out.

I donate books on a regular basis both for the shelves and for the book sales. My grandchildren have also donated puzzles for the children's section. We love the library and spend as much time as possible there and I can not say enough good things about the staff--it's just that somewhere there is a disconnect.

I guess it depends on the kinds of books one is looking for--I just have been frustrated that some of what I want seems to never show up, even though I think the desk staff have requested the purchase. They are wonderful at getting books from other branches/places when this library does not have it. And, there are many of the same kinds of books that seem to always been on the shelf, so they are being ordered, but not checked out.
 

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,648
1,773
you must be kidding. when i worked at the cincinnati public library (awesome - 2nd greatest circulation in the u.s.), our most-stolen title was (ta-da) the Bible! :D

Are you sure they are steeling the Bible, and not just moving it to the fiction section?
 

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,648
1,773
I know the money coming in from the library book sales goes to the library, but I don't think it goes to buying new books. If I am donating books, it is because I want them to be shelved for the public to read, or if they are duplicates and also available at the other branches, I want the proceeds to go solely for the purchase of buying new selections, whether that be Books, CDs, DVDs, magazine subscriptions, computer software, etc.
 
I assume that you want an increase in taxes? Because that is what would be required to fund increased service at the library.
There are still people in Sowal who live on dirt roads. Think they want to cut road funding to pay for more library books? Want to cut funding for the police, turn violent people out of jail, cut fire and ambulances? How about parks and boat ramps?

Money is tight in our homes, in our county and should be tight in the Federal government if they had any sense whatsoever. The only beef I see is paying for fire twice, but the good people in DeFuniak Springs and Freeport could say the same thing.
 

scooterbug44

SoWal Expert
May 8, 2007
16,732
3,330
Sowal
What is your problem?

All we want to do is find a way to help fund a public resource we think is important.

Donated books, fundraising, and volunteer hours aren't depriving anyone of anything.

Yes, times are tough - even more of a reason to support a place that provides services and resources to people of all ages.

And I like my dirt road.
 

Bob Wells

Beach Fanatic
Jul 25, 2008
3,380
2,857
I assume that you want an increase in taxes? Because that is what would be required to fund increased service at the library.
There are still people in Sowal who live on dirt roads. Think they want to cut road funding to pay for more library books? Want to cut funding for the police, turn violent people out of jail, cut fire and ambulances? How about parks and boat ramps?

Money is tight in our homes, in our county and should be tight in the Federal government if they had any sense whatsoever. The only beef I see is paying for fire twice, but the good people in DeFuniak Springs and Freeport could say the same thing.

Idlewind
Are you implying that you are paying for fire protection twice? If so please explain how that is. Thanks.
 

Bob Wells

Beach Fanatic
Jul 25, 2008
3,380
2,857
Iris
Based on your comment below, what snack food accounts are you talking about? I work part time with the County and I can assure you I have not seen or been given a snack food account.
"I assume I (which is not wise) that the unused funds are going to the other services snack fund accounts."
 

lms47

Beach Lover
Apr 23, 2008
222
58
Freeport, FL
All I have to say on this subject is: I am a retired media specialist with a Master's Degree in Educational Media/Library Science and after hearing of the budget problems of the library system in Walton County, I offered to volunteer my time for at least 3 days a week to help out where needed. I have yet to hear from anyone. This action speaks loudly to me.
 

WCTA

Beach Lover
May 27, 2009
124
120
Walton County
www.waltontaxpayers.org
Idlewind
Are you implying that you are paying for fire protection twice? If so please explain how that is. Thanks.

Look at your tax bill FF2 - if you live in the SWFD taxing district you do pay twice. The BCC portion of you bill includes the budget for fire protection in Areas outside the area covered by SWFD.

If you live in the area covered by SWFD you will find an amount to fund the SWFD. A person in the SWFD pays for protection in the northern portion of the county and and pays for protection in the SWFD area.

A person living outside of the SWFD area pays only for protection in their area and does not have a portion of the SWFD budget added to their bill.

Remember that we as residents voted to create the South Walton Fire District.

One should also note the difference in response time, equipment and training that we have in the SWFD area. There is a tremendous difference, and yes we pay twice, but we voted to do it.

BH
 
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ricklys

Beach Lover
Dec 17, 2008
75
20
Rosemary Beach
All I have to say on this subject is: I am a retired media specialist with a Master's Degree in Educational Media/Library Science and after hearing of the budget problems of the library system in Walton County, I offered to volunteer my time for at least 3 days a week to help out where needed. I have yet to hear from anyone. This action speaks loudly to me.
The Friends of the Coastal Branch Library is a group of volunteers in the county. They actually organized the first library in South Walton, meeting in a room in what is now Emerald Coast Plaza. They spearheaded a drive to build the library, raising funds from private contributions from individuals and organizations, grants from various agencies, and matching funds from the county.

The Friends continue to support the library in a number of different ways. They contribute A $600 monthly for purchasing NEW books and materials. They purchased the computers in the library for public use, and pay for the internet connection. Much of the furniture in the library was supplied through the Friends. Friends, in a partnership with the TDC's "Art in Public Places" maintains art displays of local and award winning artists and are changed monthly. There is a gift shop staffed by Friends which generates funds for the library. A memorial brick project allows groups or individuals to remember loved ones, generating funds for the library. The Bets Haynes Memorial Scholarship has benefited recipients who are furthering their educations in library and information technologies. The quarterly book sale results in triple benefits; providing readers with books at a nominal cost, allows patrons to dispose of unwanted boods, and raises funds for the library. Friends of the Coastal Branch Library stages a Christmas for the Birds each year, as well as an Easter egg hunt. There is a childrens reading program which gives away books purchased with money raised by the Friends. The yearly Prime Time program is sometimes underwritten by Friends, especially during these times when there are ZERO funds allocated by the county. There is also ZERO funding (down from over $25K yearly) for books, periodicals, audio and video media. Friends is doing it's best to step in and fill the gap as much as it can.

Currently there are fewer than 200 people in Walton County who are in the general membership of Friends and we need many more. For a minimum donation of $10 you too can become a Friend of the Coastal Branch Library and plug in with your time and talent. We would love to see you!


Sincerely,
Bonnie J. Rickly
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Friends of the Coastal Branch Library

PS: There is a book sale tomorrow (Saturday) at 9AM. You can join Friends, buy a bunch of books, and maybe commit to buying a periodical renewal. No money for those, either.
 
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