As is true throughout the country, the county library system is going through a funding crisis as local governments do their best to stretch service dollars in this tight economic time.

What's unique about the Nevada County Library System compared to those others, however, is how rich it is in community support.

In the last couple of years as word of financial problems became known, thousands of people did what they could to support this area treasure. In addition to individuals, several established groups have also been working overtime to support and help area libraries.

The nonprofit Friends of the Nevada County Libraries, working in western Nevada County, focuses community attention on the continuing value of and necessity for a public library system as a cultural, educational and recreational asset.

The organization does this by raising money to fund library purchases of books and other materials used by the public in county library branches. It also funds the children's programs hosted by the libraries and puts on programs of interest to the community, such as author readings.

The Friends primarily do this by selling donated books, audio books, videos, DVDs and music CDs. The Friends support ongoing used book sales at all of the library branches.

Once a month, on first Saturdays, it puts on a monthly book sale at the Doris Foley Library for Historical Research in downtown Nevada City. (Occasionally, the sale lasts for two days.)

It's easy to become a Friend of the Libraries. Membership is $10 for an individual or family and $45 for businesses. Monetary donations are tax-deductible.

In exchange, members get first alerts on upcoming events, news about the libraries, and the sense of satisfaction knowing that their donations helped buy new books for the libraries' collections.

Oversight committee

The Citizens' Oversight Committee of the Nevada County Library was created as a result of the Measure C sales tax initiative of 2002. This sales tax measure ensured a one-eighth cent sales tax to fund county libraries.

The committee's charter is to review, advise and monitor library revenues, expenditures and services.

They meet to make sure that Nevada County receives all of the library tax monies collected by the Board of Equalization and that those monies are placed in the Nevada County Library Fund.

They also confirm that the eastern and western Nevada County libraries receive equitable amounts of the Nevada County Library Fund. There are currently five committee members.

To find out more about the Citizens' Oversight Committee or when public meetings are held, call the Library Administrative Office at (530) 265-1407 or visit the library

website:www.mynevadacounty.

com/library/

Library foundation

The Nevada County Library Foundation was established in 1997 to provide private support for the county libraries. It receives, manages and disburses funds from gifts and bequests.

These donations, regardless of size, make it possible for the Nevada County Library to sustain a level of excellence and to expand resources, programs, public services and facilities. Gifts to the Nevada County Library Foundation are tax-deductible.

One of the goals of the foundation is to look at library needs for the future. This may include identifying opportunities for library growth, including the addition of new buildings or expansion of current locations.

In the past, the foundation has provided reference materials for students, made historical information available on the Internet and purchased costly microfilm equipment.

One recent foundation project was the publication of the book, “Open to All … What the Library Means to Me,” an anthology by local community members – famous and not-so-famous – who shared stories of how libraries past and present have shaped their lives. Proceeds from book sales benefited the foundation.

To learn more, write or call: The Nevada County Library Foundation, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City, CA 95959, (530) 265-1407.