How Can I Support the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library?

By a gift of your time as a volunteer, by donating materials,
or by making a monetary donation

Hallett Volunteer Helpers: The Hallett Library Board and staff members realize that we have many civic-minded citizens who know that a good library is a vital part of our community. In light of this relationship, we encourage community members to volunteer their support and time by lending assistance.  A partial list of volunteer opportunities includes,

• shelf reading
• straightening book shelves
• spring and fall yard work
• reaching home bound patrons
• dusting shelves
• helping with recycling
• book club readers
• Summer Reading Program
• Summer Story Hour reader
• giving/helping wih programs
• writing grants
• serving on our library board
• special projects, such as helping with flu shots, tax help, fundraising, etc.


Volunteers can provide the wide community base which is essential to the success if the library.  Please consider joining the Hallett Library Helpers.

Donating Materials: The JFHML is always happy to receive book donations by individuals. If we find the book suitable for shelf use (sturdy binding, not musty, not a duplicate, etc.), the material will be processed. If the book is not one that we can use, we explain that if there are no objections, the book will be placed for resale in our on-going book sale in the front entryway. With this understood, if any patron would like his or her book returned we are happy to comply. We also provide tax-gift receipts upon request. Text-style books and other materials are often sent to areas in need of up-to-date information. In the past many donated books have made their way to Africa, China and Haiti. Everyone benefits from the donation of recycled reading materials. Please keep in mind that we are unable to accept books which are damaged, wet or mildewed. We also accept items such as audio CDs, DVD, and Computers. Please contact the Library at 546-8005 before dropping materials. Thank you!

Monetary Donations: The Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library is grateful

for the generosity and support of our patrons and friends of the Library. Inspired by a trip to the Grand Rapids Public Library, the Hallett Library is proud to feature our new DONATION BOX which is on display at the front entrance.

This box was donated by Greg Meller of Brainerd Glass. The C-I woodshop students of Mike Beseres donated the labor for the handmade book shelf. By your donation of money, time or materials the Hallett Library has been able to maintain its high standard of resources and services for the Cuyuna Lakes area.

Engraved Memorial Shelving at Library

The Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library has received inspiration from the Eugene Public Library in Oregon.  If a patron in Eugene Oregon donates $100 to their public Library, the Library will then place an engraved metal plaque on a book shelf , with a plaque naming the honoree/family, preceded by “In Honor of…” or “In Memory of…”

When you enter the Crosby Library you will presently find thirty-three such dedicated shelves. Recently engraved plaques have been placed in memory of: Dave Niles, Dorothy L. Johnson, Florence McIntosh, Jeanette Smith, Bertha Beth Abelson, Betty Chen & Nancy M. Beaman. If you are interested in utilizing this bookshelf tribute, please contact the Library at 546-8005. 

Due to a decrease in funding by our main benefactor, the Hallett Trust, the Library is tackling a $35,000 funding gap for 2012. The JFHML is continually seeking funds to provide the finest services available. As recipients of the generosity of the Hallett Trust Fund, the library strives for excellence.  The Hallett Trustees encourage and welcome all efforts to collaborate with those in our community willing to give of their time and talents. In February 2011, the JFHML Friends Foundation was formed as the 501(c-3) fundraising arm of the Library. Each year we write grants to area service organizations (Lions & fire departments) and we also request annual funding support from our local cities and township boards.  During 2011, the Hallett Library was able to raise over $20,000 for materials, technology and programming. Our vision for 2012 is to provide on-line catalog access and e-books for our patrons. Whether you fiscally support your local library, or whether you volunteer a few hours a week, the end result is a better library and a better sense of community. By working together we can proactively achieve our goals. Anything is possible! Visit our website at www.hallettlibrary.org.

Annual Giving Donations

Many of our patrons generously give to the Hallett Library with annual donations which are used to purchase new materials, update technology, and provide services and programs to those we serve.

Memorial Gifts

Along with the $100 Memorial Shelf Plaques, memorial gifts are always welcome in memory of loved ones.  We can work together with the family to come up with a fitting memorial gift.  Past ideas include, artwork, designated areas, book collections, shelving or display units, and program support.

Tributes of Honor

Remember someone’s birthday, anniversary, or “just because” event in a special way with a $25 donation.  The library will purchase a book recommended by the giver and place an “In Honor Of” nameplate inside the cover.  If no specific title is given, please specify child, adult, large print, fiction, or non-fiction.

Planned Giving

Please keep the Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library in mind when preparing will and estate distributions gifts to leave a legacy for future generations.

Non-Resident Fees

The JFHML is not a part of a regional library system.  We are an independent public library funded by the generosity of the Hallett Trust, local city and township support, and donations from the community.  We serve the school district which includes the cities of Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood, Emily, Merrifield, Bay Lake, Riverton, and Cuyuna.  For those residing outside of the district, we offer yearly non-resident patron privileges for an annual $20 fee, renewable each September.