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Bookseller Lends A Hand To Pasco's Library System

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By SHERRI LONON IN THE LOOP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

It might seem odd for a private bookstore to team up to help a public library system, but some see it as a match made in heaven.

"We look at it as a great partnership," said Cynthia Mason, community relations manager of Barnes & Noble's Wesley Chapel store. "Our goal is to put books in people's hands (and so is theirs). Any way we can grow the passion (for reading) is great."

The new 28152 Paseo Drive store is only a few months old and has already opened up its doors to host a book fair on behalf of the Pasco County Library System. Proceeds raised during the event will benefit the Pasco Library Foundation. The newly formed nonprofit organization raises money to provide funding to the library system for its collections, technology, programming and more. Money raised pays for things above and beyond what the county budget will allow for.

As libraries face cuts in funding, the need for support is growing, said Stephen Kershner, assistant libraries director for Pasco County. He said efforts like Barnes & Noble's are greatly appreciated.

The book fair takes place Feb. 9-15. During this time, supporters of the Pasco County Library Foundation can go to Barnes & Noble, buy any book and have a portion of their total bill donated directly to the nonprofit organization.

While Pasco County's libraries have kept up with most programming and services thanks to donations from groups like the Friends of the Library, they are still suffering, said Paul Stonebridge, teen librarian at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library.

"(The) Barnes & Noble event is sort of a kickoff to kind of get some seed money in there to hopefully help preserve the library system," Stonebridge said.

Staff from the library system will host special events at Barnes & Noble during the book fair. Stonebridge will give a presentation on his travels in Japan, geared toward teen culture, anime and manga Feb. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. He will also discuss "Travels in Romania - Finding the real Dracula in Transylvania" on Feb. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. Other events include an e-Government presentation Feb. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. and again Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clifford the Big Red Dog will appear at story time Feb. 14 at noon. Local musician John Gold will also be on hand Feb. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Supporters of the Pasco County Library Foundation can stop by local branch libraries to pick up vouchers to show at the Barnes & Nobel register at checkout. If vouchers aren't available, shoppers can make sure a percentage of their purchases go to the nonprofit foundation by mentioning book fair ID No. 471672 during checkout.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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