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When the Kingsville Public Library learned it was to receive a gift of 100 new children’s books from the Brownstone Book Fund in New York City, it was forced to swing into action and create a space to hold them.

Word arrived several months ago from State Librarian of Ohio Beverly Cain that Kingsville Public Library was one local recipient of children’s books from the Brownstone Book Fund, said Kingsville Public Library Executive Director Mariana Branch.
The private foundation was founded by Diane Brownstone to encourage a love of books through the fostering of early reading by parents and children reading together. Brownstone credited the public library of her youth with giving her a “book addiction” that she said enriched her life and encouraged her to share the experience and pleasure of books.
Last October, the Brownstone Book Fund contacted the State Library of Ohio for names of libraries which would benefit from the collection.
Rural libraries such as Kingsville Public Library are most commonly chosen.
“Then we had to add additional shelving in our children’s room for the new books,” Branch said.
The Kingsville Public Library reached out to Jenny Howell, who, in 2012, with the help of her father, David, built new shelving for the children’s room as a part of her Girl Scout Gold Project.
The Howells happily accepted the new challenge.
“They generously donated their time and talent to build two new shelving units that blended perfectly into the existing shelving built in 2012,” Branch said. “It was very special.”
The new shelves were completed two weeks ago as the last shipment of donated books – each with a Brownstone Fund bookplate -- arrived at the library.
“We are so appreciative of the high-quality books, including classics and current high-demand items, that we were able to add to the collection,” Branch said. “The children and their families have enjoyed exploring the new collection.”
Branch invites the community to stop in and browse through the new books.
“We are grateful to Ms. Brownstone and the Book Fund for supporting Ohio libraries in our mission to foster a love of reading,” says Branch.