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MARY SPICUZZAA program through Amazon.com lets anyone pick a book to donate to one of the two new county libraries opening next year.
Step one: Build new libraries.
Step two: Fill them with books.
Hernando County is working toward completion of two libraries scheduled to open by early next year. Now, it's beginning a program called Help Our Library Grow to help stock the shelves.
The program, launched in partnership with Amazon.com, allows people to go online and choose books they can donate from a wish list or give a monetary donation toward the purchase of a new book.
"It will help our library grow," collection management librarian Kathy Kershner said.
The program, also known as Building Books for the Future, allows the Internet-savvy to go to the Hernando County Public Library System's Web site - www.hcpl.lib.fl.us - choose a book, choose the desired library branch, and even dedicate the book to someone special.
Kershner said the program was initiated by her predecessor.
As of Thursday afternoon, Kershner said no books had yet been donated.
"I think it's just too new," she said.
The program, just launched this week, is the latest boost to Hernando's burgeoning library system, which only a decade ago was struggling after voters rejected a plan to expand it.
The two new libraries are the first space additions to the county's network since 1994 and will help make the system comparable to those in other counties. Hernando's public libraries rank low in terms of space per resident and number of volumes per resident.
The new East Hernando Branch Library is being built on about 7 acres at 6457 Windmere Road in Ridge Manor West at a cost of nearly $1.9-million. The 8,500-square-foot building will replace the Sunrise Plaza branch, which operates in a nearby shopping center.
The Spring Hill Branch Library, at 9220 Spring Hill Drive, is being constructed on a little more than 7 acres. The cost of the 10,600-square-foot building is about $2.3-million. It will replace the 3,000-square-foot Little Red Schoolhouse Branch on Kenlake Avenue.
"Their collections are going to be moving with them," Kershner said. "We're just trying to pick up some other titles."
Hernando also has received an operating grant totaling nearly $134,000 through the State Aid to Libraries Grant Program. That grant will be used to purchase additional books and materials, as well as furnishings and other items needed for the two new libraries.
The Help Our Library Grow program will provide supplemental books and also allow residents to participate in stocking local library shelves.
"I think it's an excellent idea," said Jean Rags, the county's director of health and human services.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the community to contribute to a very worthwhile cause and to make an investment in the future of the children of this community."
Information from Times files was used in this report. Mary Spicuzza can be reached at mspicuzza@sptimes.com or 352 848-1432.