LIBRARY MOBILES RAISE DOLLARS, ENCOURAGE READING

April 2007’s National Library Week marked the kickoff of an innovative and creative exhibition and fund raiser, sponsored by the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries, in California. Classrooms and individuals across the county were challenged to create mobiles based on a book, author, fictional character, or series of their choosing. The 100 or so mobiles were exhibited in the main City Library, and in many of the branches, and nearly $1,000 was raised through a Silent Auction, and by encouraging library patrons to make donations to the library system, in the name of a particular mobile. Proceeds will benefit the Countywide Children's Summer Reading Program.

One of the entries, the Pay It Forward/The Giving Tree mobile, (pictured above) features the book titles on opposite sides of the top wooden disc, while the lower "arms" celebrate the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Both books creatively inspire and encourage people of all ages to incorporate these Pillars of Character into their daily lives. Needless to say, this mobile, designed and hand made by R. London, President of the Foundation for San Luis Obispo County Public Libraries, was our favorite of them all!