Library Loving Blog Challenge

Jennifer Hubbard, the author of The Secret Year and several of her author friends are holding a Library Loving Blog Challenge. Last year the group raised over $1600 for local libraries and literary charities. This year the challenge runs from March 23 until March 27 (or when ever you decide). There is still time to sign up (though Jen will be away from her computer the 19th-21st, but will get back to you ASAP). Here is how the challenge works (I borrowed this information from Jen's blog): If you're willing, you put up a blog post during that week (although you can pick the exact dates of your involvement, and whether you want to do a shorter timeframe or even extend past that time). You agree to donate a certain amount of money for every comment you receive on that post by a certain date. (You pick the amount.) The money goes to your local library, bookmobile, or other literacy-based charity; or if your local system is already well-funded, perhaps you'd like to pick another library that needs help. It's up to you! You can set a cap on the donation if need be. I will even help you write the blog posts; I try to make your workload minimal. Ideally, you visit the other participating blogs and leave comments, thus helping them meet their challenge goals. You spread the word to try to bring as many people as possible to the participating blogs, and to raise consciousness about our libraries. Libraries have suffered in this economy like everyone else--budget cuts are affecting all levels of government. But at the same time, library usage is increasing, not only because the books, tapes, DVDs, CDs, etc., are free to borrow, but because libraries provide so many other services--assisting people with job searches, for example. If you don't have a blog, you can join the challenge by using another social network (e.g., Facebook) or by offering to make a flat donation to your library, or by commenting and spreading the word. As Ben Bailey says on the TV game show Cash Cab: "So what do you say? Are you in?"* If so, please leave a comment below with your contact info, or if you want to keep your info private, email me at jennifer[at]jenniferhubbard[dot]com. (Last year's participants: If you've already RSVPed to me about the 2010 challenge, no need to do so again.) Aside from helping libraries, we had a lot of fun with this challenge last year. And please spread the word that I'm currently seeking challengers to join me. Thank you! I am participating this year....How about you?