Jefferson County Library Cooperative holding 2-day online fundraising drive

The Jefferson County Library Cooperative on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 17-18) is holding a two-day online fundraising drive to boost support for the 40 public libraries in the cooperative, including the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

The effort is called “The Great Give.” People who want to make donations to the library cooperative can do so at this website. Library officials are encouraging people who donate to promote the campaign via social media by posting a selfie with their favorite book and a caption explaining why they are a “fan” of their local library.

Donors are encouraged to use #TheGreatGive hashtag. Those who use the hashtag will be entered into a drawing for an electronic reader.

A similar campaign last year raised $18,000 for public libraries in Jefferson County, library officials said.

“The Jefferson County Library Cooperative works behind the scenes to coordinate the services that link 40 libraries with one card for everyone in the county,” said Pat Ryan, executive director of the cooperative, in a news release.

People can use their Jefferson County library card to access nearly 2 million items in the county’s 40 libraries. The cooperative provides a delivery service between libraries and access to information databases, a books-by-mail program for homebound people, a downloadable catalog that includes more than 21,300 e-books and 7,090 audiobooks, and information technology support for member libraries.

People also can donate by mailing a donation to: Jefferson County Library Cooperative, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203, or by dropping off a donation in person at any local library. All donations are tax-deductible.