The foundation's offer of a 50-cent donation for every Accelerated Reader
point earned netted the library $10,096, just $3,404 short of the $13,500
needed for the roof.

     Since county and city governments meanwhile agreed to pay for the roof, the
money from the foundation will go back into the library contingency fund.
The roof saga began several months ago, when head librarian Sara Paulk
approached the Tifton City Council, Tift County Commission and Tift County
School Board for help.

     Leaks in the building had reached a point where structural damage was likely
and books and computers were threatened. A state grant was available to pay
for half the cost of a new roof, leaving $78,500 to be raised locally. The
library board had $65,000 available from the contingency fund.

     As the governments considered their response, community volunteers rolled
their sleeves up and pitched in. In addition to the TCFEE money, local
businesses and individuals raised and/or donated $3,500. (Other donors
include the Organization of Professional Women, Holiday Inn and Papa John's
Pizza.)

     "When word got out, the citizens of the Reading Capital of the World
responded in a manner befitting their claim they 'read for the roof,' " said
TCFEE Executive Director Mike Brumby.

     "The books are once again safe from the elements, with a contingency fund
available for the next emergency. And the readers of the Reading Capital of
the World have risen to the first challenge of the new millennium."
Paulk said the money raised may be used when a second round of grants
becomes available.

     "Some of the units are 20 years old," Paulk said. "It would get pretty hot
in here without air conditioning."

      To contact city editor Florence Rankin, call 382-4321, ext. 209.