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Encouraging reading and literacy are important goals of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library. Their "Raise a Reader" program is a partnership venture in which the Friends, the library, and a local education association contribute to packets for new parents -- 1,838 were distributed last year. The Friends also donate books to public schools, provide gift certificates for the library's summer reading program, sponsor cultural programs, and make quality reading material readily available at their book sales. Innovative book sale publicity and book collection strategies helped them increase their income this year, and special events for staff members led to increased cooperation between Friends and staff.