Gilman Public Library adds 103 children's books through Friends fundraiser

ALTON — The Gilman Public Library has expanded its children's collection with the addition of 103 new books through a partnership between the Friends of the Gilman Library and the Pilcrow Foundation.

The Friends of the Gilman Library raised $400 to support the purchase of new children's books. Through the Pilcrow Foundation's Children's Book Project, that donation was matched 2:1 with an additional $800, providing a total of $1,200 to strengthen the library's collection for young readers.

The funding allowed the library to purchase 103 new children's books, including several bonus titles provided by Pilcrow Foundation donors. Each book purchased through the grant program includes a commemorative bookplate recognizing the Pilcrow Foundation and its supporters.

"This project demonstrates the impact that community support can have on our library," said Eileen Gilbert, director of the Gilman Public Library. "We're grateful to the Friends of the Gilman Library for their fundraising efforts and to the Pilcrow Foundation and its donors for making it possible to bring so many wonderful new books to the children and families we serve."

The Pilcrow Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new, high-quality children's books to public libraries across the United States through its Children's Book Project. By partnering with local libraries and community donors, the foundation helps expand access to reading materials for young people.

Library staff members say the project has been especially rewarding because it brought together community volunteers, donors, and a national nonprofit with a shared goal of encouraging a lifelong love of reading.

Visitors are invited to stop by the Gilman Public Library to browse the new additions to the children's collection. Look for the special Pilcrow Foundation bookplates inside each of the grant-funded books.

For more information, visit gilmanlibrary.org.