The Rutherford County Libraries have just received over 100 new children’s books, ranging from pre-kindergarten through early readers.  The books were a gift from the Brownstone Book Fund, and are worth over $1600. 

Children’s Librarian, Jeannie Smith, says, “We feel very fortunate to have been selected as one of this year’s recipients since we were only one of 100 libraries in the nation to receive the generous donation this year.  Since the libraries’ budget has been cut so drastically over the past several years, we’ve been unable to purchase the number of books that we would have liked.  This helps keep our collection fresh, and gives our patrons something new to read.”

The books have been spread throughout the three libraries in the Rutherford County system--the main library on Callahan-Koon Road, and its two branches in Henrietta and Bill’s Creek.  Each book has a gold label on the cover identifying it as part of the Brownstone donation.

Brownstone Book Fund is a private foundation based in New York City.  It was founded in 1997 by Diane and Clyde R. Brownstone, owners of Gift Box Corporation of America.  Each year, the fund sends 100 children’s books to 100 needy, rural libraries in an effort to foster early reading, a love of books, and to encourage parents and children to read together.