They say the best gift is the one that keeps giving. Equally, it can be said that giving from the heart becomes a gift to oneself, as the act expands one’s humanity. There are countless opportunities for charitable giving this season. One is the Lisa Libraries, headquartered on Cornell Street in Kingston. Founded in 1990 by author Ann M. Martin and friends and named for children’s book editor Lisa Novak, the Lisa Libraries collect and donate new children’s books to organizations that work with kids in poor and underserved areas. Since its inception, the foundation has established libraries in day care centers, prison visiting areas for children of incarcerated parents and afterschool programs around the region and across the country. It supplements underfilled shelves in these facilities, and provides books to many children who may never have owned a book, as well.
More than 27,000 books were collected and distributed nationwide last year. Focusing grants to small grassroots organizations, the Lisa Libraries support non-profits that do not discriminate against people seeking services or employment based on race, sex, religion, age, sexual preference or physical ability. Likewise, books of all kinds are needed: hardcovers and paperbacks, fiction and non-fiction, reference materials, board books for early readers and books in Spanish for bilinguals. Brand-new toys, stuffed animals, children’s audiocassettes and software are also accepted.
Help the Lisa Libraries to bring the light of literacy and knowledge to needy children. To donate new items appropriate for kids aged pre-K to young adult, or to make a monetary contribution, ship or send correspondence to 77 Cornell Street, Room 109, Kingston, NY 12401. Checks should be made out to the Lisa Novak Community Libraries. Financial aid is targeted for the foundation’s shipping costs and warehousing rentals. All contributions are tax-deductible. Expand your heart and humanity by giving to the Lisa Libraries. For further information call (845) 334-5559 or visit www.lisalibraries.org.