The Whitman County Library’s 15th annual penny drive began Monday and will run throughout the month of April.

All 14 of the Whitman County Rural Library District’s branches are accepting donations of coins, dollars and checks for this year’s penny drive. Donors can deposit their money in the piggy banks, jars and/or cans located at each of the branches. The money raised at each branch will be used to fund various programs and projects at that branch, as well as certain necessities.

“The money collected at each community stays at each community,” said Sheri Miller, interim director and youth services manager at Whitman County Library. “A couple years back, Endicott Library needed an air conditioner, so their penny drive money went towards purchasing an air conditioner for the building.”

Miller established the fundraiser in 2006 as a way to celebrate National Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is observed by libraries across the U.S. in recognition of their service and the contributions of their workers. Likewise, the Whitman County Rural Library District observes National Library Week in recognition of its staff, volunteers and patrons alike.

“The penny drive brings awareness to National Library Week,” Miller said. “One week wasn’t long enough since some of the branches are only open a couple hours each week, so we decided to extend it throughout the month of April.”

This year, National Library Week started on Sunday and will end on April 9. Miller said the penny drive will run until April 30.

The Whitman County Library can be contacted at [email protected] or at (509) 397-4366 with any questions. Information about hours and other events is available at www.whitcolib.org.

“All programs cost money,” Miller said. “And it would be great if patrons donated to fund those programs.”