By Emily Lawson
The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON — The Anderson Public Library is shining brighter than ever this holiday season.
Staffers are mixing a fundraising effort at the economically-troubled library with a touching way to honor beloved ones.
Through “One Light to Remember,” patrons can donate $5 to honor a relative or friend while donating to the library, 111 E. 12th St.
Lifelong Anderson resident Bill James was among the first to donate.
“I purchased a light for my wife, she passed away in February of this year,” he said. “I’ve added about 14 or so more, in her honor, from my kids, stepkids and grandkids. She was a big fan of the holidays, so I know she would really appreciate this.”
Upon entering the building, visitors will see individual white Christmas lights set against a black background. Several mini-spruce trees surround the lights, and “snow” is piled up on the floor.
The overhead lights surrounding the display are dimmed, allowing the individual specks of white to shine ever so bright.
But the display isn’t purely decorative, it’s all part of a holiday program.
The program is just what the title suggests. The lights shine in honor of a loved one, or someone to be remembered.
The purchased light is placed in the display and a card with the person’s name is placed on one of the surrounding trees.
The light is set to shine until Jan. 2. After which the card will be sent to the donor’s home as a thank- you.
Participants’ donations support the library’s programming or acquisition of materials, whichever the participant prefers.
Faced with a $1.5 million projected shortfall in 2010, library officials have made cuts in hours and in some services in Anderson and at the Lapel branch.
According to Kathi Sewell, a circulation clerk at the library and the mastermind behind the display, the idea was an easy one to develop.
“I actually borrowed the idea from my hometown hospital. Every year they do this display and each year I would purchase some lights for my loved ones. I thought it was just great. We really wanted to help people honor the ones they love,” Sewell said.
But they don’t just shine in memory. The lights are meant to honor all loved ones, whether it be a pet, child, co-worker, or even a local law enforcement officer.
“Libraries were really hard hit by the cuts made recently. So, yes the donations are helping us out, but that’s really something that’s ‘secondary,’” Sewell explained. “It’s really a way for us to help people honor their loved ones for whatever reason. Maybe they can’t be with their loved one or they’ve passed away. We’re just trying to allow people to be with them in some way and give a little bit of comfort throughout the holiday season.”
Light to Remember
You can honor a loved one by purchasing a light that will be on display in the foyer of the library until Jan. 2.
Cost: $5; cash, Visa, Mastercard, and personal check are accepted
Deadline for
purchase: Dec. 23
Ways to purchase: Visit the library, 111 E 12th St.; by phone, 641-2456, or online @ www.andersonlibrary.net
Community
Related Photos
-
John P. Cleary
-
John P. Cleary
Discussion
Shine a light at the library for a loved one
Fundraiser a touching way to honor loved ones
- Community
-
-
Pioneer Day set for Mounds State Park this weekend
Visitors to Mounds State Park can take a two-day walk back this weekend to pioneers days.
-
Community Briefs: Sept. 9
A compilation of community news items from the Madison County area:
-
Amish Cook: Life not slowing down for family
This is a diary of our day on Friday, Sept 3. Things are getting busy around here with the garden still needing care and the children preparing for the start of school next week!
-
USDA: Mushrooms rich in vitamin D
There are no parades or festivals this year to celebrate September as National Mushroom Month.
But there is interesting news. -
Community Briefs: Sept. 8
A compilation of community news items from the Madison County area:
-
Jim Bailey: Ride the almighty bus or leave the driving to us?
Our oldest grandson, Ronnie, has started second grade. His mommy takes him to school every morning and picks him up in the afternoon. That’s because no school bus goes through his neighborhood.
-
New diet makes big difference
Dave Mowrey’s switch from meat-eater to vegan was so life changing that he wrote a letter about it.
- Community Briefs: Sept. 7
-
Connor’s triumphs an example of hope
If you go
What: Fundraising dinner and silent auction for Connor Gooding
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Edgewood Golf and Dinning, 519 Golf Club Road
For more information or tickets, call Stephanie Storm-Gooding at 425-3943 or e-mail her at stephstorm@aol.com.
For more information about Connor, visit his web site at www.connorhealthfund.com. -
Schulz's 'Peanuts' based on appeal to 'everyman'
The cartoon world’s Charlie Brown had a plain round face. His young lady pal, Lucy Van Pelt, had rather unremarkable dark hair and generally dispassionate eyes.
- More Community Headlines
-
