Brighton Library Relies on Annual Appeal for Donations to Continue Programming

Brighton Township resident Bonnie Riutta has been working with the Brighton District Library since she was hired as the Brighton Area Schools Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum in 1987.

And even in retirement, Riutta -- and her husband -- continue to volunteer as members of the Friends of the Brighton District Library and donate money each year.

"We are avid readers who believe that quality services provided at low or no cost are vital to a thriving community," she said.

Community members like Riutta are important in allowing the library to keep up its programs and services, said Library Director Nancy Johnson.

Each year during the holidays, for the past 10 years or so, the library sends out its annual appeal for donations to its members.

"We've used it to help supplement programs, we've used to it bring in nationally known chef Eric Villegas and we've used it to add to our collections -- especially in areas like early literacy and large-print," Johnson said about the funds generated through the annual appeal.

"In these four years of government revenue challenge, it's been especially valuable to hold some of the resources that we need. As our budget's taken a hit, the annual appeal has been incredibly helpful," she said.

Johnson said that the community has been incredibly generous and the library has doubled the amount it has received in the past two years.

Donors like Riutta and her husband give money to be spent without restrictions. Riutta said this was the case because they believe that Johnson and the rest of the library staff are aware of the library's needs.

Other donors, such as Brighton resident and local pediatrician, Mary Khunger, have asked donations go towards purchasing a certain items.

"When my aunt died, I had a list of things that were interesting to her," Khunger said. "She loved crafts and she loved animals, so I requested that various books be bought in her name with a placard. It's a wonderful way to memorialize someone. I thought it was a great way for me to remember her."

Khunger has been donating to the library on and off for the last 10 years -- ever since she moved to Brighton with her family.

"The library has just been fabulous with my children," she said. "There's so many wonderful programs they've benefited from. They've been in the summer reading program for years and they've been exposed to puppet shows, music and cultural events which otherwise would be very hard to get to. And everything's free! That's just huge. And I feel like, in a recession particularly, any place that offers such access to children with learning opportunities should be supported."

For more information on the annual appeal, call 810-229-6571. Or support the libary by donating online.