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BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania — United for Libraries is accepting applications for the United for Libraries/Thrift Books Friend Conference Grant through Jan. 9, 2017.

The United for Libraries/Thrift Books Friends Grant enables one member of a Friends of the Library group at a public library to attend the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. Applicants must be first-time attendees and must be active in their public library Friends group. The winner will receive a grant of $850, plus full 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference registration.

For more information and to apply, visit .

The 2016 winner of the United for Libraries/Thrift Books Friend Conference Grant was Gail McAbee, vice president of Friends of the Pacolet (S.C.) Library. Since becoming a member of the Pacolet Friends, she has organized many book sales, book swaps, and book drives. McAbee has also led and promoted writing classes at Pacolet and the other branches of the Spartanburg County Library System. She has a background as a teacher, tutor, and published writer, and several of those who have attended her classes are now published in their own right. She has recently co-authored the book Games in Libraries: Using Play to Connect and Instruct.



“My trip to the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Orlando was amazing,” said McAbee. “I’m only just now beginning to process all that I saw and did and learned and experienced.”

The Thrift Books Library Program provides an easy solution for libraries and schools to earn top dollar for discarded and donated books while making a difference. Libraries receive greater fundraising paid monthly, detailed reporting, easy shipping options and worldwide online exposure with a #1 used bookseller. Your unwanted books find new homes by online resale or donation to literacy programs worldwide. For more information, visit .

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports those who govern, promote, advocate and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, Friends, and Foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the or contact Jillian Wentworth at (312) 280-2161 or jwentworth@ala.org.

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