Saline County Library hosts giving drives, winter challenge

The Saline County Library is gearing up for a season of charity.

Throughout November, the branches will host four donation drives, all for the community's good.

"November is just our month of giving," said public relations manager Kari Lapp.

To start, the Mr. Rogers sweater drive, which will be held at all three Saline County branches, will accept sweaters, vests, cardigans, and winter coats to be donated to Bright Futures' nonprofit. Donations will be accepted through the end of November.

Warm Wishes, which runs from November 4 through the rest of the winter, will offer free hats, scarves, gloves, socks, jackets and other winter gear to the community. Boxes will be located at the Benton and East End locations, free to the public.

"Clothing can be taken as needed, no questions asked," Lapp said. "Saline County has been so good to us every year to help us do this."

To help out with furry friends this winter, the library has also scheduled a pet adoption and donation drive. This event, in which the library is partnering with Benton Animal Services, will be held at the Benton branch from 11 am. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16. Pets will be available for adoption. Leading up to the event, donations of pet food, toys, and blankets are requested.

"Anything pet-related, we will take it," Lapp said.

The library's food pantry drive, Battle of the Businesses, will close out the season. Local organizations will compete to collect the most food and hygiene products.

"We are always wanting to help out the community as much as possible," Lapp said.

In addition to the giving drives, the Saline County Library is also gearing up for its annual winter challenge.

"This is our fourth year, and this year, it's really evolved," Lapp said. "It's just the the winter challenge now, because we've added so many things to it."

This incentive, which formerly focused only on reading goals, now includes a watching and writing challenge for adults.

"We know that there are other habits that people enjoy, and we want to give credit for those as well," Lapp said.

The program runs from Nov. 25 through Jan. 31, 2025 and is open to all ages. Kids are ranked in fifteen-day increments. Those who read through day fifteen earn a free book. At 30, 45, and 60 days, they earn a toy from the treasure chest.

There are no limitations or requirements for the reading material, as long as the student is engaged.

"We're just encouraging kids to read for 60 days this winter. We don't even ask you what you're reading," Lapp said. "It starts on Thanksgiving break. Why not use your time to read?"

The adult challenges are a bit different. Those who read for 40 days will earn a free book, and participants who read for over 30 minutes for each of those days will earn a special edition winter mug. Finish reading ten books to gain a winter tote bag.

For the watching challenge, anyone who watches 25 movies can earn a winter mug. Those who watch ten movies from the American Film Institute's top 100 list will win a tote bag. Winter writing requires adults to attend eight Quill and Chill programs at the library. Write for 40 days and win the winter mug. Anyone who writes 25,000 words or more will earn the special edition tote bag.

"It sounds daunting, but once you start writing, it's not that hard," Lapp said.