Hesston Public Library is encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to sponsor a day at the library.
Adrian & Pankratz, P.A., was the first library Day Sponsor on August 13.
“We were excited to have Adrian & Pankratz lead the way as our first Day Sponsor and help us get the program going,” said library director Cari Cusick.
Marilyn Wilder of Adrian and Pankratz said the firm decided to become a day-sponsor because of their community connections.
“We have a lot of Hesston ties, and we support libraries and we appreciate the innovation here. A healthy library is an indicator of a healthy community,” she said.
Day Sponsors are recognized at the library, on the library website and Facebook page, and in the local newspaper. The library also hosts a reception for up to 32 people in the library community room, giving sponsors a chance to mingle with friends, colleagues or business acquaintances.
“It’s a great way to celebrate an important milestone, such as a birthday or anniversary, or honor a loved one,” Cusick said. “It’s also a great way for businesses to honor employees, or simply get their name out in the community while supporting a great cause.”
Day Sponsors also receive recognition through collection items in the library being designated in honor of the celebrated event, milestone or person, or in honor of the business or organization.
The Day Sponsor idea was developed by the Library Board of Trustees as a way of helping the library “go the extra mile.” The library’s tax revenues support day-to-day operations, but the hope is that day sponsorships will allow the library to go above and beyond in the areas of collections, programming and technology.
“When operational expenses, such as utilities, go up, these are the areas that end up getting squeezed,” Cusick said. “Day Sponsor funds will make a very tangible and important impact on the level of service we can provide our users. While our other revenue streams are there to sustain us, these funds will help us achieve an even greater level of excellence.”
With one more sponsorship scheduled for later this month, the program is off to a great start, Cusick said. The challenge now is getting the word out about the program and building momentum.
Day Sponsorships are $500, and all donations beyond the cost of the reception are tax-deductible. For more information on the Day Sponsor program, contact Cari Cusick, library director, at 620.327.4666 or hesstonpubliclibrary@gmail.com