Browseabout Books to match Lewes library donations thru Dec. 31

In partnership with Browseabout Books, the Lewes Public Library is seeking community contributions for an end-of-the-year library book replacement campaign called Help Your Shelves: A Wish List for Missing Books. Through Sunday, Dec. 31, Browseabout has offered to match all book donations dollar for dollar.

Every year, more than 200 library books from the Lewes library go missing or are damaged beyond repair. Although the library receives funds to purchase new arrivals throughout the year, the library’s budget does not allow for replacement of so many missing titles.

Last December, Jennifer Noonan, children’s librarian, put out an urgent, last-minute call for help on the library’s Facebook page to replace missing books. “The response was overwhelming,” said Noonan. “We were blown away by our community’s generosity in getting favorite titles back onto the shelves.” 

This year, local independent bookstore Browseabout Books is hosting the library’s Missing Books Wish List. Through the end of the year, Browseabout is also offering a matching dollar-for-dollar contribution to the library for every book purchased through the wish list. 

“We’d love to be on everyone’s holiday gift-giving list this season. And in supporting us, you are also supporting local business Browseabout Books. It’s a win-win,” said Noonan.

For more information or to purchase a replacement title for the library, go to tinyurl.com/helpyourshelves or stop by Browseabout Books at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

“As an independent library, we simply could not operate without the support of our incredible community,” said Noonan. “We do not take that for granted, especially in this season of gratitude.”