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Penny Drive Poster

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News Release

Contact: Tom Parisi, NIU Office of Public Affairs
(815) 753-3635

October 19, 2005

With matching donor waiting in the wings,
University Libraries resumes penny drive

DeKalb, Ill. — With an anonymous donor now promising a penny-for-penny match, University Libraries is jumpstarting its Penny Challenge campaign in an effort to raise funds for a permanent endowment supporting library collections.

Donation receptacles are reappearing in Founders Memorial Library, Holmes Student Center and departments across campus. Donors aren't limited to contributing pennies—dimes, quarters, bills and even checks also are welcome.

Campaign volunteers will be out in force collecting donations during the Oct. 29 NIU-Ball State football game at Huskie Stadium. The initial drive held last spring sought to raise $20,000 to mark the acquisition of University Libraries' 2 millionth book.

“We made a good start but need one more final push,” said Mary Munroe, associate dean for collections and technical services at University Libraries. “The good news is that we have recently received a generous challenge grant from a donor who will match up to $10,000. We hope that all of these efforts will bear fruit, and that we will soon have the funds to create a permanent library endowment to enhance future collections.”

About $7,500 needs to be raised to take full advantage of the challenge grant and meet the fundraising goal. See www.niulib.niu.edu for more information on the library's penny drive, including a list of locations where people can donate.

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