by Erica Duffy
As the year ends, your Adams County Library System is making one final appeal to the generous community that has supported us throughout 2024. Thanks to your contributions, we’ve already accomplished so much, but as we aim to expand our services and meet growing community needs, we need your continued help to reach our annual ‘Be a Dear’ year-end fundraising goal of $80,000.
The support received this year has been incredible, allowing us to expand programming for children, host local and world-renowned authors, and introduce more activities for teens and adults. Already in 2024, we’ve welcomed over 116,000 visitors, loaned nearly 250,000 books and other library materials, and connected with over 25,000 program attendees from across the country. These milestones represent the library’s ongoing role as a center point for education, literacy, and community engagement.
As we continue to grow and respond to our patrons’ requests for more services—including enhanced seating areas, lecture series, and expanded teen and adult programming—your continued support is vital. While we’ve made great strides, we must fundraise $300,000 of our budget each year. This year-end call for your support is our final push to ensure that we meet that goal.
Your donations directly impact the lives of Adams County residents, from children discovering a love of reading to adults engaging in lifelong learning and by making new connections. By contributing today, you are helping to maintain and grow the resources that are so essential to our community.
We still have a way to go and we are truly grateful for the generosity shown so far. Every dollar counts toward making sure the library remains a vibrant, accessible space for all. Your continued support is critical in keeping the momentum going as we approach 2025. Please donate today to help us close out the year strong and continue serving as a cornerstone of learning and community building in Adams County.
Donations can be made in person at any of our six branch locations or by mail to the Gettysburg Library Branch at 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Please make checks payable to ACLS. You can also donate online at https://www.adamslibrary.org/be-a-dear. ‘Be a Dear’ cards will be available at each branch for you to color and display, so I encourage you to visit and help decorate our branches!
Thank you for being part of the success of your library system—and for helping us finish the year on a positive note.
Erica Duffy is Development Director for the Adams County Library System. The ACLS is participating in the Adams County Community Foundation’s Giving Spree on Nov. 7. For more information, visit the Adams County Community Foundation’s website.