Grimes Library acquires $1,100 in new books

Children eagerly entered the Grimes Library on Thursday afternoon with wide eyes scanning three tables of newly acquired books.

"I'm here for the display and I wanted to check one out too," said 7-year-old Sam Willingham when he entered the room.

"He's pretty excited about this," said his sister, Renee Willingham.

The large, round tables were covered with 65 brand new children's books standing on end.

The library was able to purchase the books with a $750 grant from the Libri Foundation and a $350 donation from the Colusa County Friends of the Library. Librarian Rose Ann Ellis created a display of the books and held an event on Thursday afternoon for the community to enjoy.

"Its really fortunate for us to get this grant to buy these books to add to the collection. They are really quality titles, award winners. It's really all about the children," said Colusa County Librarian Wendy Burke.

"It's just excellent. Look at them," said Ellis.

Children roamed around the tables scanning the books and showing them to each other, sometimes running giddily.

"I'm looking around for funny books, like really funny," said Willingham.

The boy eventually chose to check out a newly purchased book called "Thump, Quack, Moo" a colorful book about farm animals constructing a corn maze festival.

"I chose this book because my dad's a contractor," said Willingham.

The amount of new books is grand for the small library.

"I don't get to buy new books very often," said Burke.

"We get donations from the community and from Colusa County Friends of the Library, and we're thankful for them. But to get to sit down and select $1,100 worth of new books — that's really fun. It's why we become librarians, because we love books," said Burke.

The Libri Foundation awarded a grant for the purchase of books to the Maxwell Library in 2011 and to Arbuckle in 2012. Burke said they will apply for the grant for Williams Library next year.

"We've been fortunate to get one every year we've applied," said Burke.