Grinnell College's Bookshop Raises $5,727 for Local School Libraries

“This donation almost doubles my book budget for the year at the high school, so it allows us to offer so many more great books to our students,” says Chelsey Kolpin, librarian at the high school and middle school. “I'm using the gift certificate to buy high-interest books focused on diverse characters, people and authors.

“This year,” she adds, “I've been reading and learning a lot about diversity, and I thought that bringing even more diversity to our middle school and high school collections would be a great use of these funds. With the donation, I will continue to add books to both collections, including adding to and updating popular series.”

“The Grinnell College Pioneer Bookshop is committed to promoting the love of reading by contributing funds to buy library books for the middle school and high school,” says Pioneer Bookshop Manager Cassie Wherry. “This donation aligns perfectly with Grinnell’s commitment to community and diversity.”

The donation is part of a promotion in which 10 percent of all bookshop sales in December 2017 are donated to the libraries. The Grinnell College Office of Community Enhancement and Engagement supports the donation through its Partners in Education program. The Middle and High School Libraries split the funds, which are contributed in the form of a $2,000 gift card to the Grinnell College Pioneer Bookshop and a check for $3,727.

Located in historic downtown Grinnell at 933 Main St., the Pioneer Bookshop has books for all ages and interests, featuring children’s books and current best sellers. The staff specializes in recommending books for gifts and can quickly obtain books not in stock through special orders. Pioneer Bookshop also carries a selection of toys, stationery and cards. The bookshop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.