Hi Pam, just wanted to let you know that I donated 5 books to the Lemon Grove Branch library. They are:

* The Very Hungry Caterpillar Board Book
* Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
* Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women
* 1 of: Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You : Dr. Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises (Bright and Early Board Books)
* 1 of: The Horse and His Boy (Narnia)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar wasn't on their list, nor was Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can you, but those were two of my very favorites as a kid. Also, in honor of my mother's birthday two days ago I got them a new copy of The Horse and His Boy because the site said their copy was falling apart, and it was my mom's favorite in the Chronicles of Narnia.

Thanks Pam, for doing so much for those around you. I may be a totally broke college student, but this is something I can afford.

Sincerely,

Kristin

I've never been called "Wicked" before...

Hi Pamie -- Blogger Extraordinaire!

Gretchen just reminded me that you are interested in seeing Peter Kaye's article about you and your wonderful program to get more books into San Diego libraries.  Here's the PDF file for the six-page newsletter I edit.  It was just mailed to about 1,000 households in Del Mar.  Please feel free to post it (or any part) on your WebPages.

Deep in the heart of Blogland dwells a mysterious messenger. Some say her X-rated ravings make her the Wicked Webmaster of the West. Others say she’s a clown because of her book, “Why Girls Are Weird,” and because of her irreverent screenplays. But librarians from Del Mar to Oakland see Pamela Ribon in a different light -- as a fairy godmother who has filled their shelves with hundreds of books...

Thanks for coming up with this terrific program!

Linda Martin

friends Editor

Hi Pamie,

I just wanted to let you know that I've donated three books to the San Marcos Branch Library.

Esperanza Rising: Esperanza Renace by Pam Munoz Ryan, Nuria Molinero and
If You Take a Mouse to School (Spanish edition): Si llevas un raton a la escuela by Laura Numeroff

because they were must haves. I picked 

Agu Trot [spanish edition] by Roald Dahl

because as a kid reader, discovering Dahl was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. He's still one of my very favorite authors.

I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but these book drives are great. I just discovered your site this year and was really happy to hear about the Oakland book drive because I'm from Oakland. For a city that seems to often be the focus of unfortunate events, it was nice to hear about people doing something nice and improving things. I especially love this because as a kid, I was fortunate enough to live two blocks from a library. My mom took my siblings and me there every two weeks and I would check out 17 books that I'd finish in a week and beg to go back. I'm convinced that had a huge impact on how well I've been able to do and a lot of my choices as an adult. And it's neat because I've had conversations with many of my closest friends where we realized each of us was the girl or boy who checked out a gazillion books.

This is awesome and you are awesome. 

Cecilia

I wanted to let you know that I just ordered some books for San Diego -- I've felt guilty all year that I didn't buy any books for the Oakland (my hometown!) library bookdrive, so I decided to buy some for San Diego this year. I got, for the San Marcos Library:

El Capitan Calzoncillos Y LA Furia De LA Supermujer Macroelastica (Captain Underpants (Spanish)), by Dav Pilkey, Miguel Azaola

Las Aventuras Del Capitan Calzoncillos (Captain Underpants (Spanish)), by Dav Pilkey

The Witches, by Roald Dahl

Captain Underpants And The Perilous Plot Of Professor Poopypants: El Capitan Calzoncillos Y El Perverso Plan Del Profesor Pipcac, by Dav Pilkey, Miguel Azaola

I bought Captain Underpants for one of my cousins recently, and I loved that they had the spanish versions on their wishlist.

After typing the above (about not giving to Oakland last year) I realized that there's no reason why I can't still give to them. So I just ordered, for the Lakeview Branch,

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares, and
How to Write it: A Complete Guide to Everything You'll Ever Write, by Sandra E. Lamb.

-Jasmine

[Jasmine's donations put Oakland's book drive donations at 602 -p]

Hi Pam,

In appreciation of you posting the old archives, I decided to donate another set of books to San Diego.

So Rancho San Diego Branch Youth Services Division will be receiving:


"Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See" by Bill Martin Jr

"Linnea in Monet's Garden" by Christina Bjork

"Body Talk: The Straight Facts on Fitness, Nutrition, and Feeling Great About Yourself (Girl Zone) by Ann Douglas

 I tried to pick high-priority and new books on their list to cover a wide age range of kids.

- anonymous.

Letter From Winner Emily

Pam,

Thanks so much! I am very excited; it’s such a dreary day in Toronto today, and I was getting annoyed by people at work, but this news has made the day much better. I thought I’d gotten my good karma in the form of a small raise at work, but apparently it hasn’t ended. If I donated three books, does that mean I get three good things happening to me? That’d be nice; there’s an internal position at work I’m applying for that I would love to get, so if that could be my third bit of good karma, I’d be a very happy camper. Feel free to cross your fingers for me!

It’ll be great to have another copy of your book, let alone an autographed one. I lent my copy to a friend at work, and she loved it so much that she’s getting her sister and some other people to read it, too. With the extra copy, I can still read your book whenever I feel like it.

Again, thanks so much for organizing the book drives (extra loud cheers for everyone who donated!), and continuing to entertain people with your writing. You are an amazing person, and I know that all your hard work and dedication will pay off in spades.

Regards,
Emily

Hi Pamie,

First off, thanks for linking to me in the blog.

I have decided to donate $100 to the San Diego Public Library Foundation to be used for books and materials. I was going to split it amongst the different libraries you hvae listed, but found it too difficult to pick and choose. This way, they can choose how to spend it, and i'm sure that a diverse mix of people will benefit from my small donation.

Thanks for such a spectacular idea,

Arianne

Letter From Campo-Morena Librarian Vickie

Hi Pam! Hope you're doing better and the nasties are under control. If all the goodness that you started with this library program could be bottled, I'm sure you should be back in good health soon. Your readers definitely want you feeling strong again.

Well...I had to write and let you know, once again, just how overwhelming your readers have been to our little branch in Campo-Morena Village. We have received '62' books and '6' audiocassette books so far, and there are another 3 books that we haven't received yet, but they've been purchased.

We feel truly blessed by your generosity and that of your readers. You have all been such an inspiration to our community. I have appointments to speak at several of our local groups, to request financial support for books. Everyone can't believe that there are people out there who are willing to donate to a community they've never heard of. We are very thankful for all you've done for us and wish you and your readers many blessings for their kindness and generosity.

I believe it's important that you have accurate figures for your program, and haven't seen quite a few titles listed in the Blog, so I've decided that I'd share them here. I hope this helps with your final tally.

Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of this!

Respectfully,
Vickie Mulrean
Campo-Morena Village Branch Operations Manager

To Kill a Mockingbird [sent by Kate]
Keeping Livestock Healthy [sent by Sophie]
Coaching Fastpitch Softball Succescfully [sent by Tamara]
Fences, Wall & Gates [sent by Tamara]
Otho's All About Fences & Gates [sent by Tamara]
Chess For Juniors [sent by M.S.]
Little League Drills and Strategies: [sent by M.S.]
Daughter of Venice [sent by Sophie]
The Princess Diaries v.#1 [sent by Tamara]
A Series of Unfortunate Events:
The Bad Beginning, v.1 [sent by M.S.]
The Reptile Room, v.2 [sent by M.S.]
The Wide Window, v.3 [sent by M.S.]
The Miserable Mill, v.4 [sent by M.S.]
The Austere Academy, v.5 [sent by M.S.]
The Ersatz Elevator, v.6 [sent by M.S.]
The Vile Village, v.7 [sent by M.S.]
The Hostile Hospital, v.8 [sent by M.S.]
The Carnivorous Carnival, v.9 [sent by M.S.]
The Slippery Slope, v.10 [sent by M.S.]

Thanks again, Pam!

Letter From Winner Jen

I'm thrilled to be the winner of an autographed copy of your book...all of my friends will be so jealous!  This annual book drive is great on so many levels.  I felt wonderful donating a few books.  I love reading the letters from the librarians... I can imagine how much fun they're having waiting for the mailman's arrival.  And now this!  Thank you for the book and, more importantly, for all of your hard work organizing these book drives...I did the easy part.

Have a great day...I already have!

Jen

Pamie,

I never got around to donating to the Oakland Public Library last year, so I made sure to donate to the San Diego County Library Book Drive. I chose the Borrego Springs Branch because my family used to camp at Borrego Springs regularly. I sent:

The 1900 House [DVD]
Frontier House [DVD]
Brimstone by: Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Yay! I did it this time! I donated!

I love libraries and our library system's been hit by cutbacks too. The small branches are only open a few hours a week and none of them, not even the main branch, is open on Sunday.

This is a great thing you are doing. I'm really impressed by how many donations have been made in just one month. Now I'm on the list too! Wheee!

Melissa

The Santee Branch Library just received three books from Chandra of Los Angeles. She gifted the library with

Anna Karenina (Oprah's Book Club edition),
No, David! and
Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler.

What a nice nice thing to do! Thank you to Chandra!

Jo Routhier
Santee Branch Library

Letter from Winner Janice:

I can always count on Pamie.com to renew my faith in the goodness of people. Pamie and her readers are always thinking of others, and inspire me to do the same every day. It feels awesome to be a member of the "Cool Kid Club", and getting a free book is the icing on the cake. I'll be sure to give my bought copy of Why Girls are Weird to a local library where many readers can enjoy it. My autographed copy will be kept in a special place!

The temperature may be over 100 outside but I'm pleased to tell you that this last week of July has been like Christmas in our little library. The Ramona community is better known for rodeos than for reading. So I have a special thank you for people across the USA-- Michael, Denise, Brenda and Erica (a fellow coffee guzzler)-- for the items that came this week from our Amazon wish list. This is so very, very cool.

--Merry (July) Christmas and thank you all
Margaret Esther, Children's Librarian
Ramona Branch
San Diego County Library

Book Drive Contest Winners

Due to the amazing response of over 450 donations in just one month, I added a bonus winner to the contest.  The four winners are:

lil d, who sent: Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir, by Azar Nafisi, Empress Orchid by Anchee Min, and The Eagles - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975.

emily, who sent: My Not-So-Terrible Time at the Hippie Hotel, by Rosemary Graham, Keeping You a Secret, by Julie Anne Peters, and Freaky Green Eyes, by Joyce Carol Oates.

jennifer, a local who sent: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly and The Fate of the Romanovs by Greg King.

and finally:  

Janice, who sent: Leonardo Da Vinci, by Sherwin B. Nuland, and Leonardo da Vinci (Masters of Art), by Jack Wasserman  

 
Congratulations to these four winners and thanks again for everybody who has helped the book drive so far this year.  It's been an amazing experience.

Letter From a Rancho Librarian

Pamie -

As your book drive for San Diego County Library comes to a close, the community of Rancho San Diego wants to express its sincere thanks for your thoughtfulness and the generosity of your readers. The books we've been sent have built our collection up and provided more of what our customers want and need. If there is anyone still looking for the opportunity to contribute books to our library, the youth services list has been expanded to include several variations on Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as books on the Olympics, something we definitely need more of in this Olympics year!

We continue to be touched by the response to this drive. Thanks to everyone, far and wide!

Sincerely,
Barbara Sutton
Youth Services Librarian
San Diego County Library
Rancho San Diego Branch
11555 Via Rancho San Diego
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-660-6325
www.sdcl.org

We've Reached 451!

Dear Pamie,

I sent the San Marcos Youth Library 2 copies of "1000 Palabras en Inglés" (1000 words in English). They wanted 2, so that's what I sent them. You know, one for Spanish-to-English and one for English-to-Spanish. (Hee.)

1000 palabras en inglés (Berlitz Kids)
1000 palabras en inglés (Berlitz Kids)

This stuff is contagious.

Davida

Hi Pamie,

Just adding my voice to the masses--this book drive is awesome, as are your recaps on TWoP.

Anyway, I donated the The American History Cookbook to the el Cajon Branch library, because I love food with stories, and I definitely have used the library to get recipes and cookbooks.

Naomi

Hi Pamie-

I just sent the San Marcos Branch:

Matilda by Roald Dahl
The BFG by Roald Dahl (loved Roald Dahl growing up, and still do - these are two of my favorites though)
and
Así es Josefina, una niña americana (The American Girls Collection) by Valerie Tripp (I devoured the American Girls books when I was younger!)

I visit my local library about once a week, and have been doing so since I was very young- I can't imagine not being able to have free access to books!

Thank you for organizing this!
Stefany

Hiya Pamie,

I donated the following books to the Ramona Branch of the San Diego County Library system:

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo by Karma Wilson
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory  by Roald Dahl

I'm off to guzzle coffee in a diner and read my own library books!

Erica

Pam,

 I honestly thought I was done donating this year.  However, I noticed today that in a thank-you note I received from a  librarian that the plural of boy was spelled "boy's".  Since I am currently reading Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss, I felt compelled to donate a copy.  I searched for a branch that had this book on their wish list and found Santee.  Since I refuse to pay for shipping, I also included a copy of the The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.  Of course, this might have been a ploy to get me to donate again, similar to the shopkeeper described in the book who deliberately stuck ungrammatical signs in his window as a ruse to draw people into his shop.

I'd like this donation to be anonymous.  I don't want any trail that might lead to the identification of the kind librarian who wrote the thank-you note (and I know my own writing is far from perfect).  I'll leave it to your readers to point out all the mistakes I've made in this e-mail.

Hi Pamie,

Just writing to let you know that I sent hardcover (yay hardcover books!) copies of George's Marvelous Medicine and Tupac Shakur's The Rose That Grew from Concrete to the San Marcos Library.

Hope we break 400!

best,
m

Because of the last-minute request from you and from the Rancho San Diego Library, I've donated a couple more books to their Youth list:

DK Readers: Going for Gold (Level 4: Proficient Readers)
Ghost World
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1
and
Jack and the Beanstalk

I REALLY hope you reach your goal of 400 by the end of the weekend. But, if not, you have still made a huge difference.

Thanks for helping me feel SO good about myself (and letting people read in the process)!

DeAnn

Some of You Are Getting Addicted To This...

Hi Pamie,

I read the letter from the librarian at the El Cajon branch, and got inspired to donate yet again - third time this year.

I sent the following:

Prehistoric Art: The Symbolic Journey of Humankind - because I'm off to see some prehistoric art in about a month.

Elections A to Z (American Government S.)- because it sounded like the kind of book the librarian who wrote would find helpful.

I don't have my own web site, but if you could link to bpib.com for me, I would appreciate it.

A side benefit of this book drive is it got me into my OWN public library for the first time in quite a while.

Jeri

Pamie,

I had so much fun donating the first time, I decided to do it again. The Ramona Branch is getting:

Morality for Beautiful Girls (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency)
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Widescreen Edition) 

This time I even managed to push the right button so they'll be shipped directly to the library.

Nysha

Hey Pamie --

In an attempt to make sure we reach the 400 mark, M. Giant and I are sending off a few more books. The San Marcos Branch Library will soon receive:

Tuck para siempre 
The Austere Academy (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 5) 
Esperanza Rising: Esperanza Renace
The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 4)

I chose the San Marcos Branch because of Betty Waznis at the San Diego County Library. I picked these books because M. Giant LOVES Lemony Snicket, and the other two books were must-haves.

Thanks again for spearheading this.

-trash

Pamie,

It's way late in the game but I just sent my donation to the Valley Center branch... the fact that their list was for YA books is what got me. I have a special fondness for that genre, plus with the recent passing of Paula Danziger, it was just meant to be.

So, three "Mates, Dates" books and one "Gossip Girl" book are on their way.

Mates, Dates, and Cosmic Kisses (Mates, Dates)  by Cathy Hopkins
Mates, Dates, and Sole Survivors (Mates, Dates) by Cathy Hopkins
Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas (Mates, Dates) by Cathy Hopkins
I Like It Like That: A Gossip Girl Novel

Regards,

Jenny

The Lincoln Acres Branch will be receiving:

Drawing Dynamic Comics by Andy Smith
Where the Sidewalk Ends : Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein
Boards : The Art and Design of Skateboard by Jacob Hoye
The Boxcar Children: Books 1-4 (Boxcar Children, No 1-4) by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Mary Ann

Hi Pamie,

I just wanted to let you know that the Casa de Oro Branch Library will be receiving Junie B. Jones CD Edition: Books 1-8 [UNABRIDGED] as well as PC Annoyances: How to Fix the Most Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer. As a librarian in a city that has the means and makes the choice to support its library, I’m thrilled to pass on a little of my good fortune to other librarians.

Amanda
Adult Services Librarian
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Hey Pamie-

I donated to Ramona Branch Library.

Garfield Gets Cookin: His 38th Book 
Garfield Beefs Up: His 37th Book  
Garfield: Survival of the Fattest : His 40th Book  

Thanks for organizing this!

-bmh

Hi Pamie - 

As a newcomer to your website, I was excited to discover this book drive.  I've sent the following books to the Valley Central Branch (YA).  Hopefully they will inspire a new generation of readers, who might turn into future pamie.com readers.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones
Pirates! by Celia Rees
White Is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Blue Is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Gail

Pam:

I just wanted to drop a line saying that the Lincoln Acres Branch Library will now be enjoying 2 wonderful Shel Silverstein books: Where the Sidewalk Ends : Poems and Drawings and A Light in the Attic.  I remember reading them at my grade school library when I was a kid, and really, no child should go without the Shel. I finally got off my ass, and donated. And they say people in the entertainment industry don't have a heart.

Take care!
Jon

Letter From a San Marcos Librarian

Hi Pamie,

My name is Katrina, and I am the Youth Services Librarian at the San Marcos Branch of the San Diego County Library.

Thanks to your efforts in promoting SDCL's Amazon wish lists, we are the lucky recipients of 18 books (so far)! Since our information was posted in your bookdrive blog, we have been steadily receiving shipments from people across the country! I am overwhelmed and not just a little choked up as items arrive here at the branch.

Thank you so much for thinking of us -- what a wonderful gift to the children and teens in our community!

Gratefully,
Katrina Neville
Youth Services Librarian
San Marcos Branch
San Diego County Library

Letter From a Lakeside Branch Librarian

Dear Pamie,

Many thanks to all of the people who have purchased books for the Lakeside Library. Best sellers, history, legal guides and reference books have come in from Washington, Texas, New York and even, London, England! Just the other day, I had a customer who needed a book on how to become a legal guardian for a child. I noticed that our copy was lost. I put a new edition on my wish list and within days I had it in my hands. Talk about real time collection development!

As other librarians for our system have commented, the library has been a great resource of comfort and rebuilding for members of our communities. Though our community was especially hard hit by the wildfires last fall, Lakeside's renowned "cowboy spirit" has pulled them through. To read more about Lakeside and our history, visit the Lakeside Historical Society's website.

Thank you, Pamela, for raising awareness about the plight of libraries in San Diego county, but of libraries everywhere.

Donna Ohr
Branch Librarian
Lakeside Branch Library
(619) 443-1660

Hi Pamie!

I hope you're doing well, and that the drugs are working.

I received a letter today from the Beverly Public Library in Beverly, Massacusetts. I did an Amazon wishlist search for libraries in my area and Beverly. I was intrigued because Beverly is near Boston and the affluent cities of Cape Cod; how much help could they need as a well-situated city with access to both money and political input? Turn out, they are just as affected by budget cuts as a small library branch in Western Massachusetts or California. Here's the letter (you got a shout-out as well!):

On behalf of the Beverly Public Library and the Trustees of the Beverly Public Library, please accept my sincere thanks for your generous donation to the Beverly Public Library of Hoax by Nicholas Von Hoffman. Thank you also for giving credit to Pamela Ribon.

This past year our book budget was cut by approximately 80%. This left very little money for books, magazine subscriptions, and newspapers. We are grateful for your support of the library because it makes it possible for us to provide much-needed books for our patrons.

Again, thank you!

Sincerely,
Thomas F. Scully, library director

Eighty percent. Ridiculous.

I wanted to show you this letter to let you see the difference you're making, slowly, all over the country. I'm on the other coast, but am urging everyone I know to not only help out the San Diego library system, but local branches as well. I'll be talking to the English Club at Framingham State College this fall to see if we can figure out a similar program for the library. Their budget is currently at ZERO. I'm also trying to get my friends and co-workers registered to vote so that we can try to send the message to our lawmakers that this gutting of the arts and public works is unacceptable. It would have taken me quite a long time to realize the problem and figure out a way to ease it if it hadn't been for pamie.com.

Thanks for doing this, Pamie. And thanks for taking time out to read this letter.

-Vikky

Hi Pamie,

Since my fist and small donation, I have been wondering how I could contribute more to this cause. Books and libraries were such and important part of my childhood and adolescence, and still play a major part in my adult life, that it bothers me to think that there are children out there without access to fantastic literature. I noticed that a small library was somewhat later in posting their wishlist. And since I just got paid - there was money burning a hole in my pocket.

I just wanted to let you know that the Campo-Morena Village Library will be receiving:

Storey's Guide to Raising Poultry: Breeds, Care, Health by Leonard S. Mercia
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1 by Lemony Snicket - audio cassette with Tim Curry narrating (how exciting!)
and
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (audio cassette).

Thanks,
Amy

Late to the party, but always happy to contribute:

Some spanish books sent to the San Marcos branch:

Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Spanish Edition, The

El Capitan Calzoncillos Y LA Invasion De Las Horribles Camareras: (Y El Subsiguiente Asalto De Los Igual De Horribles Zombis Malvados Del Comedor) : L ... a Novela Epica (Captain Underpants (Spanish))

1000 palabras en inglés (Berlitz Kids)

Can I just say that the title El Capitan Calzoncillos freakin' rules?

omar

Donation #400!

Pamie--

Just wanted to let you know that I donated a copy of Myth-O-Mania: Get to Work, Hercules! to the Poway children's library. I visited Poway in September of 1999 when I was traveling with Up with People, so I decided I would make my donation to a community that has played a small but significant role in my life. I chose Myth-O-Mania because I loved mythology when I was a kid...and still do!

Best wishes with the continued success of the book drive!

Erin

Little Lincoln Acres branch is getting Coaching Girls' Softball off their wish list, in honor of the upcoming Olympics. Girls rock!

-anonymous

Hey Pam,

Today I got the nicest card from Donna M. at the Vista Branch in Vista, CA. She thanked me for the four books I sent and asked if I’d like a bookplate with my name in them! She was also surprised that someone from the Midwest would take the time and effort to browse their list and make a donation to a library that they’ve never seen nor visited. I’ve mentioned your book drive on my blog a few times, so hopefully that throws a few more donations their way. I just wish more people would donate!

Anyway, thanks again for the opportunity to improve my karma and make some children happy with new books to read!

Meghan
Adult Services Paraprofessional
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Hi Pamie,

I hope you're feeling better. It looks like you're having fun on the vicodan at least.

I donated the following books to the YA section of the Valley Center Branch:

The Queen of Everything, by Deb Caletti

A Great and Terrible Beauty, by Libba Bray

The True Meaning of Cleavage, by Mariah Fredericks

I lived at the library in my small town when I was in the YA demographic, and I wish I could say that I've read these books and they have great meaning for me, but I pretty much picked them on the coolness of their names. :-)

This is a wonderful thing that you're doing. Good luck with the rest of the drive!

-Miss M

Letter From an Alpine Branch Librarian

Pamie,

Thank you so much for connecting us to such generous people. We are so excited to see new books arrive and our customers are so grateful. You must be rewarded over and over again for all your good deeds!

Thanks to all who have purchased books for the San Diego County Library system. All of our branches share the wealth since all of our titles are interchanged among the 32 branches and two bookmobiles. It is a wonderful thing.

We welcome all of our donors from near and far to come and visit us if you are ever in our neighborhood. We would love to meet you!

-From all the staff at the Alpine Library.

I’m late to the book drive. I have been broke, broke, broke since all of our money has been heading straight into the pocket of local wedding vendors.

1 of The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

1 of Lost In Translation (Widescreen Edition)

1 of Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (NEWBERY MEDAL BOOK)

I sent my books to the Jacumba Branch.

Erin

I ordered three books today for the Fletcher Hills Branch:

A Hat Full of Sky  by Terry Pratchett
Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Rebecca

Michael B is going for a record.

Pam,

I swear this book-giving is more addictive than Vicodin.

I checked your website during lunch at work today and saw all your entries from Thursday night about the new infection and immediately thought "How can I help Pam feel better?  I know - more books." 

So I sent the following two items to the Campo-Morena branch: 

This Place Has No Atmosphere by Paula Danziger.  I admit I had never heard of Paula until your blog entry and her obituary in the New York Times, but all the comments in your blog convinced me her books deserve a wide audience

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2) [UNABRIDGED] by C.S. Lewis.  They are specifically asking for audio cassettes and I noticed this one is narrated by Michael York.  Maybe if these tapes are successful enough, Michael York won't return to Gilmore Girls next season and Paris will get a sub-plot that's not creepy (wishful thinking, I know)

Then I noticed that the Ramona Branch has been neglected so I sent them 2 books in the popular and cheap Lemony Snicket series and a cozy mystery for their older readers:

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1) by Lemony Snicket
The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2) by Lemony Snicket
Broken Dishes by Earlene Fowler

Of course, by the time I got home and checked your website again, you had updated to say you were already feeling better so maybe I didn't really need to send these books, but it can never be considered a mistake to donate books.  

Hope you have an uneventful weekend.

Michael B

Pamie,

I found out about your book drive for Oakland last year through Not Martha. I was unable to participate for various reasons, but this year I got my act in gear. After reading about the need for books at the San Marcos Branch, I decided to donate three books because I work at a child care center, and know about the importance of reading for kids.

Also, my birthday is next weekend, so it was like an early birthday present for myself, to be able to help people read. I gave Yoga Fitness for Kids ages 7-12 because everyone should do a little yoga; A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, because we women deserve recognition; and The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3) by Lemony Snicket, because I love the Lemony Snicket books.

It was so great to be able to help out, and I hope that the kids at the San Marcos branch enjoy
their new books!

Elizabeth

Hi Pamie -

I'm happy to participate in your book drive. I picked out 3 self-help reference books, along with 1 classic paperback, that were all high on the Lemon Grove branch list.

- It's My Life Now : Starting Over After an Abusive Relationship or Domestic Violence 
by Meg Kennedy Dugan, et al
- Converting Garages, Attics & Basements  by Jeff Beneke, et al
- Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer by Susan Britton Whitcomb
- The Miracle Worker by William Gibson

Melissa

Letter From An El Cajon Librarian

This is so amazing! I've been reading your recaps and your website for a few years now, and I was just ordering your book for our library a few weeks ago when I got an email saying that you had chosen US for your book drive this year! I remember thinking what a great idea it was when you did it for Oakland, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it here.

Since people seem to like to hear about where their books are going, I thought I would write and tell you about two of the branches that I know best.

I grew up in the town of Julian, which has about 3000 people and is on top of a mountain to the east of San Diego. It is known for its apple pie (since it gets cold enough there to grow apple trees and even gets a little snow) and for its charming gold-rush era buildings--it was a mining town and was almost the county seat before the gold ran out and most people left in the late 1800s. Nowadays most people in the town depend on tourists from "The City" for their income in one way or another--my parents run a summer camp!

Last year during the fires Julian suddenly became famous and it was really strange to see views on national television that were clearly filmed from the parking lot of my high school! Hundreds of people (and that's a large percentage) lost their houses in the fires but most are rebuilding and still love living in Julian. In fact, they are just finishing work on a brand new library that will be shared by the high school, and is built right where those TV cameras were standing last year. You can see what the new library will look like and the old library (which is in a former one-room schoolhouse) is on our website . Since the new library is many times larger than the old one, they will definitely appreciate new books! (I've looked and I don't think Julian has a wish list yet but I'm sure they will soon.)

Now though, I'm a librarian at the El Cajon branch of the SDCL, and it is about as different from Julian as it is possible to be! El Cajon is one of the largest branches in the system and one of the main reference centers for the county. (Vista is the other.) We answer a lot of the more difficult reference questions from the smaller branches, so we have a much larger collection than most other branches. It is also why we have some very expensive books on our wish list--you wouldn't believe how much things like encyclopedias cost! So if you have any very wealthy readers, send them our way! (We also have lots of regular books on the list as well--I just wanted to explain why we have these ones that cost over $100 as well.)

The El Cajon branch is located in the downtown of a suburb east of San Diego, so we serve a very varied population. I especially enjoy working here because you never know what (or who) will turn up next. There is rarely a dull moment, and we like it that way.

So, thanks again for helping us, and double thanks to everyone who is sending books--you have no idea how wonderful it is to know that there are people all over the world thinking of us and sending us presents!

Also, everyone, don't forget about your local libraries! Call up the librarians and ask a weird question--we like that.

Jenne Bergstrom
Reference and Young Adult Librarian
San Diego County Library, El Cajon Branch
(619) 588-3703

I finally got my act together and donated. 

The Potrero Branch is getting

Goodnight Moon (Spanish edition) : Buenas noches, Luna
101 Consejos Para Estar Teniendo Diabetes (Y Evitar Complicaciones)
Short Stories in Spanish (New Penguin Parallel Texts)

I picked Potrero because I grew up near the border (in NM) and like the idea of helping that kind of community!

 
Karen

Hi Pamie,

I just sent Where Is the Green Sheep?  by Mem Fox to the Fletcher Hills
Library. This is my first donation. I always loved libraries as a kid.

-Melissa P

Hi Pamie

Well, I just went crazy and sent a bunch of books to the Lincoln Acres Branch Library. I don't know what happened - I started at their wishlist and it spiraled out from there. I kept thinking of one more book I had to send. Anyway here's the list of what I sent:

Mummies, Pyramids, and Pharaohs : A Book About Ancient Egypt Gail Gibbons; (This was on their wishlist). 
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference  Malcolm Gladwell; (Seemed appropriate -plus it's so interesting!). 
Trixie Belden #1: The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden, 1)  Julie Campbell; (Childhood favorite of mine). 
His Dark Materials Trilogy: The Golden Compass / The Subtle Knife / The Amber Spyglass [BOX SET]  Philip Pullman; (Blew me away). 
1001 Most Useful English Words for Spanish-Speaking People (Beginners' Guides) Seymour Resnick; (Good reviews, sounded useful and fun). 
Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt (Encyclopedia Brown (Paperback)) Donald J. Sobol; (Childhood favorite of mine). 
Heroes, Gods and Monsters of Greek Myths  Bernard Evslin; (Who doesn't love the Greek myths?). 
Beauty  Sheri S. Tepper; (Great spin on the classic fairy tale - good for yound adult and adult readers). 
The Partly Cloudy Patriot  Sarah Vowell; (So funny, so smart). 
Oh, Yuck: The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty  Joy Masoff; (All kids love this stuff and it's a great way to learn). 
Jokelopedia  Ilana Weitzman; (I was a total jokebook addict as a kid). 
The Crafty Diva's D. I. Y. Stylebook: A Grrrl's Guide to Cool Creations You Can Make, Show Off, and Share  Kathy Cano Murillo; (Crafting makes me happy!). 
Paper Bag Princess (Munsch for Kids)  Robert Munsch; (sweet, funny story with great message)

Man, that was so fun! I wish I could do it every day!

Thanks Pamie - for all your hard work and humor. I hope you are feeling better soon! Stupid staph obviously doesn't know who it's messing with!

Later!
Allie G

Hi Pamie-
I saw that more libraries were added to your bookdrive, so I decided to send a couple more.  The San Marcos Branch Library will be receiving: 

Diary of a Worm
The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 2)

I took my nieces to their public library this week for the first time and loved how their eyes lit up when they saw all the "free" books.  Every kid should havea great selection of library books to choose from.

-Jennie

Howdy Pamie,

I was a good doobie last year and donated and now that I finally got paid, I was happy to donate

The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre (Oxford Illustrated Histories)
Bless Me, Ultima
Teaching Montessori in the Home: The Pre-School Years

to the Rancho San Diego branch. Thanks for organizing this once again!

Best,
Kate

Ah, Pamie...

Thank you for providing me with a way to get my daily dosage of good karma. Reading. God. I couldn't even begin to describe how much reading has meant to me throughout my life.

I donated 3 children's books to the Fletcher Hills Branch:

1) Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
2) The Gruffalo (Picture Books) by Julia Donaldson
3) And Here's to You by David Elliot

Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this...I dare someone to try to erase the warm and fuzzy feeling I just gave myself by donating these books :)

Sincerely,
Carrie S

Hey there Pamie!

I'm a longtime reader and occasional poster of your blog. As of a few minutes ago, I donated the Magic Tree House Collection: Books 1-8  to the Casa De Oro Branch.

I was having a bad and rather hectic day, and I can't even begin to express to you what donating has done for my mood. It's such an uplifting feeling, knowing that I am contributing to the reading enrichment of so many children. My local library here in the Philly suburbs instilled a love for reading in me at a very early age. That love has continued with me to this day, and I believe that it has made me a better person. If my donation helps turn even one child onto reading, I will jump for joy. May bucketloads of karma rain down on you for many years to come!!

Summer
West Chester, PA

The library book drive for San Diego is a great and, unfortunately necessary thing.   How can we, living in the wealthiest country in the world, not care about educating and expand our own minds?  It continues to baffle me.  But then again, I am hoping for a change of course come November. ;)

Portero Branch will be receiving:

Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal (Spanish edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

Harry Potter y la Camara Secreta (Spanish edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) 

anonymous

Dear Pamie,

I just got the San Marcos branch the first three Harry Potter books,

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)

because they rock, and Walter the Farting Dog , because the title alone made me laugh. Thanks for heading up the book drive again and I hope you are feelingbetter!

Jen

Hi Pam

I just made a donation of three books to the Del Mar Library:

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, by David Sedaris — because, well, it’s DAVID SEDARIS. He’s the bomb, as you know.

Chicken Chickens Go to School

The Wide-Mouthed Frog: A Pop-Up Book — because dammit kids need books too! When I was a kid my library card was my ticket to another world, my time-travel card, my “Get Out Of a Mundane Day” free card simply by offering me the opportunity to vanish into another time and place. I wanted to purchase them some of my personal favorite children’s books, but I figured it was probably nicer to get them something from their wish list, since it means they don’t have it yet.

I chose the Del Mar library because my family and I spend several “mini” vacations a year in that lovely town (three of us have timeshare weeks there) — we’ve been going down there (from our home in Orange County) two or three times a year for 13 years or more, and the library is the quaintest, most charming little craftsman building you’ve ever seen, and, really, shouldn’t ALL libraries be so splendid? It is my dream town — the one I’d move to tomorrow if I won the lottery. I know you hear this every day from hundreds of people, but I hope it never gets old: Thank you for doing this. Your generosity of spirit and kindness are an inspiration on a daily basis.

Jennifer

P.S. I wrote you once before, when I had just started my own web page (the first one was about you, remember) — at the time I only had two entries in it, and now I’ve got... Well, lots! So thanks again for the inspiration.  http://www.honest-planet.com

Pamie,

The Spring Valley Branch will be receiving two books soon:

Miss Nelson Is Missing!
Miss Nelson Has a Field Day 

Thanks for doing this!

Michelle
Boston, MA

Three books for Lemon Grove

No Man Is an Island by Thomas Merton
Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men  by Lundy Bancroft
Practical English for Arabic Speakers

The first two books were the library's top priority, the third to get free shipping.  I'll be interested to see what Amazon recommends the next time I log in.

Heather

Pamie-

Not only do I have a nice new job that allowed me to donate a book this year ("A Fish Out of Water" to Rancho San Diego Library - I already e-mailed you about this one), but two days ago I was reviewed by my supervisors and received a very nice raise!  And when I came home to celebrate with my boyfriend, I found a thank-you card from the librarian in the mail telling me how happy they all were to have the book back in their collection.  This put me in such a great mood, that I donated 3 more books, this time to the Lemon Grove Branch (gotta spread the love!)

Leonardo Da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas
Get the Interview Every Time : Fortune 500 Hiring Professionals' Tips for Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters
Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy

Who knew spending money on strangers in a state I've never even been to could be so much fun?  Thank you!!

Jane

Hi Pamie-- 

Love the book drive idea.  I couldn't donate last year, but I am this year.  I just ordered 3 books for the Lincoln Acres branch--

Ingles para Latinos , Level 1
Ingles para Latinos Level 2
Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal

I thought if they had lots of Spanish/English instruction books on their wish list, they could also use one fun book for the kids.  Good luck with everything.

Golda

Hi Pamie,

I donated The Human Story : Our History, From the Stone Age to Today  by James C. Davis and Nicolaus Copernicus: And the Founding of Modern Astronomy (Great Scientists) by Todd Goble to the Vista Branch, because science is cool and they really wanted them. Thanks so much for doing this again, some more. 

Sam

Hi Pamie!
  
Two books are on their way to the Lemon Grove branch:

Leonardo Da Vinci (Penguin Lives)  Sherwin B. Nuland;
and:

Leonardo da Vinci (Masters of Art)  Jack Wasserman

I don't have any particular interest in daVinci myself (though I do enjoy art) but they were priority one on the wish list, and that is how I picked them.

Great job on the book drive again!!

Janice

Hi, I found out about this drive through a friends LJ and decided I had to participate since I live in San Diego. I picked the Vista Branch because I always went there as a kid and I continue to go there for fun. I sent:

Nothing Feels Good: Punk Rock, Teenagers, and Emo Andy Greenwald
Where's Waldo Now? (Waldo Classics) Martin Handford
Super Cilantro Girl/La superniña del cilantro  Juan Felipe Herrera

What you are doing is wonderful! Thanks for helping out the San Diego Libraries!!

- Coral
Oceanside,CA

Hello, Pam. I hope you and your wonderful readers are well.

We continue to be thrilled with the effects of the books drive. Today the Poway Library had a story time and children's craft hour using only books we had received from the "pamie.com family". It was a great program and a great turnout.

I wonder if I could bring the following branches to your attention. They have just managed to get their wish lists and profiles up.

Thanks for all your outstanding service to readers and libraries everywhere.

Betty Waznis
San Diego County Library


Casa de Oro Branch Library serves a diverse community in the shadow of Mt. Helix in eastern San Diego County. The library is a small neighborhood branch that has served the youth and adults of the community for more than 40 years.

Lincoln Acres Branch Library is unlike any other library you have seen before. Originally an old military barrack, Lincoln Acres first opened to the community on June 18, 1947. Only 800 square feet, this tiny and cozy library is the second smallest in the county. The Lincoln Acres Library has stood the test of time as in the late 90's the county's relocation project almost closed the library, but residents fought hard and successfully petitioned to keep it open. In the last 2 years, budget cutbacks have restricted the book budget. In spite of the economic hardships, the library staff has strived to provide adequate resources to its large Spanish speaking community living in an economically disadvantaged area.

Potrero Branch Library has existed since 1915 and recently moved into a new facility in this rural community. Located just miles from the Mexican border, the branch serves a 26 mile area with many bilingual residents. This branch has a small budget but many community needs.

San Marcos Branch Library. San Marcos is home to over 16,000 children and teens under 18 years old. We try to reach each and every one of these young people with books, videos, CDs and recorded books to help meet their homework and leisure reading needs. With your help, we can include items in our collection that we couldn't afford otherwise. Thanks for helping to create a community of successful readers!

I got the sweetest handwritten thank you card and gift-receipt-thingie from Vickie at the Campo branch (I wish I had it in front of me to quote, it was so lovely). That card and its warm contents made me all misty-eyed, and had me feeling like a million bucks for the rest of the day. 
 
I never would have known about the branch, let alone donated anything, if not for you and your book drive, so I wanted to pass along the gratitude to the woman who *really* made this possible. May you have warm-n-fuzzies today, because you certainly deserve them.

shmoop.

- Erica

Hi!
 
I wanted to let you know I donated two books to the Vista Branch:
 
Capyboppy
Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul : 101 Stories of Courage, Hope and Laughter (Chicken Soup for the Soul (Paperback Health Communications))
 
The order wasjust placed about five minutes ago.This is a wonderful idea. Thanks for doing it!
 
-- Mary B.

Hey Pamie - you've already posted a link to my original donation entry,  but I thought you'd enjoy this one too - I got a really nice handwritten note from the librarian at the the Spring Valley Branch, and scanned it onto my blog, here.

It made me happy.

sam

Hi Pam,
 
Just wanted to say that on their way the Rancho branch are:

Little Women (every library needs this!)
The Colonial Mosiac: American Women 1600-1760 (yay for acknowledging women's roles in our history!)

4 of the "Jake Drake" series:
Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet
Jake Drake, Class Clown
Jake Drake, Know-It-All #2
Jake Drake, Bully Buster : Ready-for-Chapters

1 2 3 Draw Cars, Trucks, and Other Vehicles: A Step-By-Step Guide (1-2-3 Draw)  (because even though I have a Ph.D., I cannot draw any sort of vehicle to save my life)
Animals (Easy to Read, Easy to Draw) (because kids + art = good stuff)
 
Thanks so much for organizing this again this year!
Hannah
Athens, GA

Just wanted to let you know that I donated a copy of The New Rules of High School, by Blake Nelson to the Young Adult (YA) collection at the Valley Center Branch.  Good luck with the book drive!   
-Lori

Letter From a Rancho Librarian

Pamie,

Words can not express the joy you have brought to our entire staff.  Whenever another package arrives we have a little party!  We are a new and growing branch that could use more books on many different subjects.  Your generous donations help us fill out our collection.  That makes our patrons very happy!  It has been amazing to watch donations pour in from all over the country.  Thank you for lifting our spirits with your generosity.

Sincerely,
Brenna Ring
Branch Librarian
San Diego County Library
Rancho San Diego Branch

Letter From a Lemon Grove Librarian

Dear Pamie and Friends of the Cool Kids:
 
The UPS guy is getting to know Lemon Grove Library really well;  every day we get more deliveries from Amazon!  It's exciting opening the boxes to find the treasures inside.  The most successful donations have been the Lemony Snicket books - they are nearly all checked out already!  Thanks for helping the children of Lemon Grove find some great books to read.
 
Janet Gastil,
Youth Services Librarian
San Diego County Library,
Lemon Grove Branch

This book drive is an awesome idea, Pamie!
 
Like many of your other readers seem to have done, I looked over the lists for books that struck a chord with me. As a result, the Rancho San Diego Branch Youth Services Division will be receiving: 

The Book of Dragons & Other Mythical Beasts by Joe Nigg (because I so would have read this when I was a kid) and
Cells, Genes, and Chromosomes (Invisible World) by Nuria Bosch Roca (because the Mr. is a geneticist)


Thanks for the opportunity to participate!
Chyna (aka Julie)

Hi Pamie. 
 
Just thought I'd let you know that the Vista Branch Library will be receiving another copy of Lord of the Flies, because I want countless generations of teens keeping the phrase "Sucks to your ass-mar!" alive andkicking. 
 
I also sent the DVD version of the 1972 classic Cabaret because I was Sally Bowles in college, and Liza Minnelli is crazy/awesome.  Thanks for being the best philanthropist-wrangler in the world!
 
-Emily

Hi Pamie,

My favorite memories are of going to the library with my mom andspending hours quietly reading books in the sculpture garden.

The Poway Branch should be receiving Richard Scarry's Biggest Word Book Ever in a few days.

I wish I had more money and could give more, but a small donation is better than no donation.

Cheers,
Amy

I’m so devastated about losing Paula Danziger that I hustled right on over to the book donation list and sent some young adult books to the Valley Center Branch (YA) library:
 
Alice, I Think (Susan Juby)
True Confessions of a Heartless Girl (Martha Brooks)
 
And, of course
 
Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice? 
 
It’s a good thing you have a website, because no one in my office would ever understand why I am so sad today!
 
Take care,
Carrie

Letter From a Del Mar Branch Librarian

Thank you so much for helping us with the amazon.com wish list for San Diego County Libraries. 

We are receiving so many of the titles we hoped for from book lovers all around the country.  I spoke with the President of The Friends of the Del Mar Library, and the board will publish an article in their next newsletter, challenging the local community to contribute as generously as your readers have done. 

I'll report back to you with the results later this year. 

Sincerely, 
Gretchen Schmidt,
Librarian, Del Mar
Branch

Want to see a photo of the branch that received your donation?

Hi Pamie!
 
San Diego was the city in which my awareness of the world outside of my little family unit began to really take root and that was due - in no small part - to the libraries of that lovely city.  So how could I not give back, even if it's in some small way?
 
I bought Head Games by Christopher Golden from the Jacumba Branch's wishlist.  As I become less broke due to my new job, I hope to get them, or another branch or two, a few more books.
 
In other news, because something has been going on with the AIDS Marathon Donation Page (I.E. no one can use it to actually donate), I was wondering if it was possible for you to post a new link, this time to my donor form.  I know it's a little more work to download, print, fill out and mail it, but it's still very much worth it.
 
As always, thank you for being the ultimate Cool Kid and for rocking so very hard.  (Hey, no one works the Truly Sincere Kiss-Up the way I do.  And you know I'm being truly sincere here.)
 
Take care,
Carol

Hi Pamie -
 
Love your site!  I decided to check out Campo-Morena's Amazon wish list and was incredibly excited to find All-Of-A-Kind Family requested.  I have loved those books since the first time I saw them at the library when I was 8 years old.  I was beyond excited then to find books for kids about Jewish families - I haven't found many since then, so these books are treasures to me.  So, Campo-Moreno is receiving 3 of the books on audio cassette.  I will send them the other books on audio when I can find them. 

All-of-a-Kind Family [unabridged]
All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown
More All-of-a-Kind Family

Thanks for doing such a great thing,
 
Jennifer

Hi Pamie!

Just wanted to let you know that I sent 2 books over to the Campo-Morena branch.  I ordered the scintillating Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates because it was one of their higher priority books, and then I also ordered The Chocolate Sundae Mystery because it is a Boxcar Children book, which I remember loving as a little girl (and also to get free shipping).  It was actually shipped on Monday, but I have been lazy about e-mailing you so you can keep track.  I'm enjoying the warm fuzzy feeling from helping another library.  Thanks for the nudge!

Jennifer

Hi!  

Had our monthly Friends of the Library meeting this morning and they were so pleased and surprised at the response of your readers.  Today, I got an even bigger surprise as one of our benefactors lives in London, England!  Truly amazing, especially as my mother was English and raised in Birmingham.  I have friends as well as cousins who live in and around London, and I can't help but feel that 'me mum' somehow guided your follower to her daughter's branch library!  My dad and I returned my mother's ashes, to her beloved England, nine years ago this month, and I'd love to think of her 'talking' to someone over there now.  Even more of a coincidence, is one of the titles Miriam chose for us was Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep, and my mother spent her teenage years on a sheep station in Austraila!   Very small world indeed.  Anyway, Pam, can't thank you and your followers for all they've done to increase our small collection.  It has truly been an AWESOME experience.

Vickie Mulrean
Campo-Morena Village Branch Library

The first "exotic" Amazon shipment for our Adult collection arrived today from Louisville!  I couldn't wait to see where it was from as I was opening the box.

Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Sandy Housley
Reference Librarian
Vista Branch
San Diego County Library

Donation #300!

Pam, 
  
In yet another example of the power of the book drive karma,  I got another patent award at work this week.  As a result,  I sent the 4 highest priority available books to the Del Mar branch.  They all happen to be children's books, which should all get plenty of use as two of them were requested to replace existing worn-out copies: 
  
  I Love Trucks! by Philemon Sturges
  Walking Through the Jungle by Debbie Harter
  Maisy's First Clock by Lucy Cousins
  Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan 

Michael

pamie-
 
Love your book, love your blog, and I love the opportunity to donate to San Diego libraries (my first summer reading program was through the Chula Vista branch at age 4 or 5 - I got a Farrell's sundae!). 
 
I just donate to my local library through overdue fines. :-)
 
I donated:
Curious George and the Bunny
Eres Tu Mi Mama?/Are You My Mother (Yo Lo Puedo Leer Solo)
Miss Spider's Tea Party: The Counting Book
 
Meg

Letter From a Santee Branch Librarian

The Santee Branch Library thanks you posting the library's name.  Alison King of San Francisco found the library and sent two books.What a great service you are providing!!   
 
Jo Routhier
Santee Branch Librarian