As some residents may be spending their first holiday season without a loved one, the Kalona Public Library offers residents the chance to honor them during their “Adopt a Book” program. 

For just $7, community members can come to the library to commemorate a book in honor of a family member or friend. A book plate will be placed on the front page of the book stating who purchased the book and who it honors. Director of Youth Services Olivia Kahler says that this tradition started around 16 years ago. She shares why this could be a great holiday gift for a loved one, “It’s a fun and unique gift. It’s not something that you would typically find at a Walmart or on a store shelf. What happens is, if you do come and adopt a book in honor of someone you love, you are gifted a handmade ornament that coincides with that book. You can then present that person with a handmade ornament and say to them, ‘There is a book at Kalona Public Library that was purchased in your honor.’”

Books available for adoption include children’s picture, easy to read and nonfiction books. All books available for adoption were purchased by the Friends of the Kalona Public Library and a portion of funds raised will go back to the group. Kahler says the event will last until Christmas or until all books have been adopted.