Binghamton University Libraries Ask a Librarian

LibraryLinks Spring 2005

Honor with Books

By Katie Ellis & Laurie Miller

The Libraries’ Honor with Books program was one of the best-kept secrets around—until recently when the program was given a new look and focus.

The Honor with Books program allows donors to celebrate special occasions and honor special people through the donation of books. For each $60 gift to Honor with Books, a book in a subject area of the donor’s choice will be purchased. A bookplate bearing the name of the person being honored is placed in each book, and a letter of acknowledgment is sent to the family or friend being recognized.

“We can also help the donor by suggesting a subject area,” said John Meador, Director of the Libraries. “These donations help us replace worn or damaged books, so our suggestions are based on what we need for our collection. We currently have about 1.8 million volumes, and we’re working toward 2 million. This program can help.”

“Buying print material is very expensive,” said Meador. “This program enables us to help meet the ever-increasing demands we have -- not to keep pace -- but to excel and add to our collection.” Since the reintroduction of Honor with Books, the University Libraries have seen a 444% increase in gifts to the program.

You may make a gift by calling Laurie Miller, Director of Development, University Libraries at (607) 777-4774. Or go to the Honor with Books web page for additional information and a printable donation form.

The opportunity to strengthen our collections while honoring someone special is a unique way to provide a gift that keeps on giving, both to the honoree and future Binghamton University students.