Letters to the editor

Book lovers and library enthusiasts celebrated National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 18-24. During challenging economic times, it is especially easy to recognize how libraries enrich our lives with books, audio recordings, DVDs, research databases and assistance from professional librarians.

In Batavia, the Friends of the Public Library have been able to support many projects, including the all-city reading event One Book, One Batavia, scholarships for library pages, summer and winter reading programs, and an electric scooter for patrons with impaired mobility.

The Batavia Friends thank you for your donations of used books and hope that you will consider volunteering to sort books or to work at an upcoming book sale. Volunteer opportunities and membership information are available at www.BataviaPublicLibrary.org/friends.

Daniel Russo

president

Friends of the Batavia Public Library

United Way of Central Kane County expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended United Way Kick-Off Breakfast to support the 27 members and their 40 programs serving the central Kane County communities. The United Way Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast, underwritten by Target, Costco, and Colonial Café and Ice Cream, was held Sept. 15 at the Riverwoods Christian Center.

The United Way is the major source for voluntary contributed funds to support health and human service programs of not-for-profit agencies. This year's $500,000 campaign goal was announced.

Ken Harms and Jim Baier were recognized as Tocqueville Society donors at the event. The Tocqueville Society includes gifts of $10,000 or more.

Mr. Harms was recognized for his contribution in the 2008-2009 campaign, his continued support as a board member, and his United continued commitment as a UPS executive.

This campaign year began on a very positive note with Mr. Bair's very generous contribution toward this ambitious goal.

"This will be a challenging campaign year," said United Way Vice President Campaign Matthew Richardson. "Because of the downturn in the economy, plant closings, and corporate layoffs, we are committed to working hard to recruit new businesses to participate in the United Way campaign. We are proud that the money raised stays local, with 99 percent of the money raised remaining in the community."

Last year, United Way assisted over 18,000 central Kane County residents.

The Kick-Off celebration also recognized the important contributions of the volunteers and contributors. "We should be proud of the thousands of charitable people who are committed to United Way of Central Kane County making our community strong and healthy," Richardson said.

For more information about United Way of Central Kane County or about making a financial contribution go online at www.unitedwayofcentralkanecounty.org or contact Paula Yensen, executive director, at 630-377-1930.

Paula Yensen, Ph.D.

Executive director

United Way of Central Kane County

St. Charles