Bag program has unusual beginnings

Nathan Jackson of Delta decorates a book bag during the library s program.

About a dozen people decorated book bags at the Delta Public Library on Monday in a Create Your Own book bag program that grew out of a feared budget shortfall. Library Director Patricia Grover came up with the idea about six weeks ago, before the library s 1-mill, five-year renewal levy passed with a 62 percent yes vote.

“We spend a lot of money on giving really nice plastic bags that say Love Your Library. And we were out of them and I didn t want to reorder them because I wasn t sure if we would have the funds,” she said. A replacement levy request had failed in May.

After last week s election, she reordered the plastic bags; the library typically gives away 3,000 to 4,000 plastic bags a year. But Mrs. Grover also plans to hold more Create Your Own book bag sessions next month for patrons to make Christmas gifts and later in the winter.

The library provides decorating materials and charges $4 for small bags and $5 for large bags. Profits will be used for teen programs.