Book lovers and library patrons can help their local branch by donating their gently used books or making monetary contributions as the DeKalb Public Library grapples with budget cuts.

The Alliance of Friends of the DeKalb County Public Library Inc. said that 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of donated books benefit library programs.

In a Dec. 21 statement, the alliance, which is an umbrella organization of 15 DeKalb library branches, said that the branches have been hit hard by budget cuts, and book and/or monetary donations to Friends are more important than ever.

Friends groups earn funds for the library through book sales held regularly at local branches. With the money raised from book sales, the groups support programs, book purchases and other items needed in the branches that are not met by the budget.

Over the past three years, county funding for books and materials for all 22 branch libraries has plummeted from $2.02 million in fiscal year 2008 to just $100,000 in fiscal year 2011, the alliance said.

Friends Alliance President Janis Jones said the support of friends and residents is critical.

“Please join in helping support the library with your monetary donations, book donations or by joining your local Friends group,” she said.

Donations of gently used books – hardback and paperback – can be taken to the circulation desk at any branch library that has a Friends group. The donation is tax-deductible, Jones said.

Monetary contributions also can be made to a local Friends group or the Friends Alliance.

Branches with Friends include the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library and the Decatur, Clarkston, Stonecrest, Hairston, Salem-Panola, Flat Shoals, Lithonia, Redan, Covington and Scott Candler branches.

To find a Friends group, visit www.dekalblibrary.org and click on the Support Us tab at the top. 

For more information, contact Janis Jones at janis

.jones18@gmail.com or 770-220-0238.