By Diane Wingert
Carter County Public Library
While we have a lot of awesome people in our communities that love our libraries, I was recently honored to meet a lady that is not from here but shared that love of what libraries offer. This lady, 75 years young, came to our Eastern Kentucky communities because of a very deep desire to deliver her best friend’s love of books to others.
When her best friend died, she left Adele her extensive collection of books. Adele decided to donate that collection to libraries. When she did, many of her friends decided to donate books also.
With all the books collected, she contacted Kentucky and other states around us to see where she could find a need.
Kentucky was the one to call her back. From there, Carter County was named as a library in need of books and also accepting donations, and that we do.
We take donations of books, money, and other items that we use or give to those in need. The Carter County Public Library will always try to help those in need.
To continue, Adele called me. That was a very good call. She told me she wanted to give books to some needy libraries. But getting them here was going to be an adventure. Adele, you see, is from Tucson, Arizona. She planned to rent a U-Haul and come our way. I was so impressed I told her it sounded like something I would do.
And come our way she did. I was so happy to meet her. She donated some of the books to our library. I was also honored with an opportunity to be able to tag along to the other libraries she donated to.
To drive across the country in a U-Haul to deliver books to people she doesn’t even know is one awesome opportunity. Those of us that received her generosity were very lucky to have been chosen.
For those of you that read this article, please keep all libraries in mind. We are always in need. But, more than that, there are many people in our communities that are in need.
We, as a library, are here to give back to our communities. Snacks are always available at both our branches, along with a place to warm up, relax, find a book, use a computer, or play a game. We are a needed part of our great communities. It’s wonderful to meet someone else who appreciates what we offer.
I feel so thankful to have met such a generous person. Truly an inspiration to us all.
