The Friends of the Newton County Library are sponsoring a Gift Tree just inside the lobby at the Newton County Library. The tree is decorated with colorful paper ornaments each listing a type of book or audio visual item with the amount it takes to purchase the item. Anyone can donate the suggested amount to the library to purchase a title in their name or to honor someone. Last season, Newton County Residents donated over $1,300 to purchase 70 books, paperbacks and DVDs for the Children's Room and general collections at the library.

"Donating to the Library by buying a book or video is a perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas list who you cannot think what to get for them," said Patrick Durusau, incoming president of the Friends of the Library. "Every donated item benefits everyone who checks it out. That means every $1 donated to the library averages $10 in benefits to Newton County residents. The $1,300 that was raised with last year's gift tree meant that $13,000 in benefits to local residents."

When someone donates funds for the book or DVD, a book plate will be placed on the item that will show the name of the donor and the person who the donation is to honor.

"We rely a great deal on the Friends of the Library to help us purchase newer books and other materials for our growing population to read or view," said Greg Heid, Director of the Newton County Library.
The ornaments for donations include: $10 for paperback books, $20 for children's books, $25 for adult books, $20 for DVD titles, $75 for audio books on cassette or CD-ROM, and an ornament that suggests a general donation to the library.

"We hope the Gift Tree will raise more than $2,000 this year for the library," said Durusau. "The Friends' Gift Tree will be kept in the library through the first of the New Year. I encourage everyone to help purchase titles for the library."