Librarian Debra Blunier celebrates the 77 new books and audiobooks acquired for Filger Library from the Library of Congress during her recent visit to Washington D.C.
A visit to Washington D.C. by librarian Debra Blunier netted 77 new books and audiobooks worth over $1000 for Filger Public Library in Minonk. All she had to do was to apply for Filger to be approved as an eligible organization, and then to spend several hours at the Library of Congress picking out the books from the thousands available, which was very enjoyable since all the books selected would be free!
"Transporting the books packed into two suitcases that we took through the Washington Metro system was an interesting experience, but way better than parking in downtown D.C. It was a great experience! I urge anyone who is visiting the Capitol to spend some time at the Library of Congress. It's really a beautiful building, with lots to offer," remarked Blunier. The books were available through the Library of Congress's Surplus Books Program, which has books not needed for the Library's own uses available at all times to eligible organizations and institutions.
Any teacher or librarian planning a visit to Washington D.C. should consider getting some of the new books the Library of Congress has to share. "We look forward to getting this group of books into circulation, especially since they're each stamped "Library of Congress"! added Blunier. "It makes us a small part of the biggest library in the nation!"
The staff of the Surplus Books Program at the Library of Congress were very helpful, since Filger Library had won approval as a tax-exempt institution. The Library of Congress collects at least one copy of copyrighted books published in the U.S., but has shelves of duplicates available to libraries.
Debra spent over an hour picking out books for Filger. Fortunately the books fit into the two suitcases she brought!
The Library of Congress is a beautiful building worth a visit by anyone seeing the nation's capital. Librarian Debra Blunier was grateful for the gift of over $1000 in library materials shared by the national library - and that her suitcases had wheels!