It is no secret that I love libraries. I always have used them; as a student in Cockeysville, Maryland, I used my library a lot. As a book publisher, libraries are my best friend.

Gail Rubin has in her book that if you have a lot of extra books, donate them to a library. They will do two things with your donation: circulate any books they want or need, and sell them in their used book events. The money raised goes toward library programs. You do not have a say on which option they will take. When you donate books you say goodbye to them. But either way, they help your library.

AND you are helped because you have reduced the books in your collection. Do you actually read or need all those books?

To find out what library to donate to, find out if they like local books. Libraries should have a good collection of local books – that is one of the topics people want to use. Local books may have a different perspective on local matters.

This is a good time to find out about your libraries. This year there are a couple of library bond on the ballot in New Mexico. Usually, libraries are one of the first things cut when there are money problems despite the fact that library usage is up. Support you local library and downsize your books!

- Barbe Awalt