Shine a light at the library for a loved one

Fundraiser a touching way to honor loved ones

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

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