The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for that person who seems to have it all, the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., has a meaningful solution.

Did you know you can give a gift that not only honors someone special but also benefits your community? The James V. Brown Library’s “Own-A-Day” program offers a unique way to recognize a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or promote a business.

By sponsoring a day of library service, you can dedicate it in honor or memory of someone, mark a birthday or anniversary, or highlight a cause or business that matters to you.

Last year, more than 100 individuals and organizations took part in this thoughtful gesture, contributing $100 each to sponsor a day at the library. It’s a wonderful way to give back while celebrating those you care about. To participate, simply visit https://jvbrown.edu/own-a-day-donation/, pick up a form at any Help Desk, or call the library at 570-326-0536, ext. 134.

“This is a popular program for so many reasons,” said Dana Brigandi, development, marketing, and public relations director at the library. “We all have enough stuff. This is a great way to support the success of a valued community resource and give the perfect gift.”

Brigandi noted that people often renew the same date, year after year, as gifts for grandchildren or for wedding anniversaries. Since 2009, the program has raised more than $232,000 to help the library provide dynamic and transformative services for all residents of Williamsport and Lycoming County. All recipients are notified via mail of their special day.

“On your chosen day, the name of someone you care about will be displayed on our flat-screen televisions throughout the building, printed on each checkout receipt given to patrons, published in our print and emailed newsletters, and prominently displayed on our website and Facebook pages,” Brigandi said. “Your message will be seen by the more than 300 people who walk through our doors each day.”

The next time you’re searching for the perfect gift, imagine the joy of giving someone a day at the James V. Brown Library.

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. Walk-in passport services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.