Public Library E-Book fans have something to celebrate thanks to Brad Rutter, all-time Jeopardy Champion! The former Lancaster County native has been contributing funds for the past six years through his Lancaster County Community Foundation donor-designated fund to benefit the Public Libraries in Lancaster County. The only stipulation by Rutter is that the funds he donates be used to support technology-based services that will benefit a broader audience of library users throughout the county.
Public Library Directors expressed a need to enhance the existing E-Book selections available for public download on any of the public library websites. Circulation statistics from 2012 – 2015 indicate a significant rise in usage that point to the popularity of downloadable e-Books. In 2012 and 2014 Rutter’s donations were also used for the purchase of E-Books. E-Books are available for downloading online by users who have a Lancaster County Public Library card. To access the OverDrive platform that also includes audiobooks, visit: https://libbyapp.com/library/lancasterlibraries
In 2013, Rutter’s funds were used to develop the Lancaster County Libraries Mobil App — another popular resource for library users to access the online catalog and other electronic resources from their iPhones and other mobile devices.
Brad Rutter’s story…
Brad Rutter is a Lancaster County PA native and long-time public library user who earned the distinction as All-time Jeopardy! Champion in 2005. He credits his record-breaking success on Jeopardy! to a passion for reading that started with his early visits to the public library. It is no surprise that Brad decided to name public libraries in his hometown as beneficiaries of his success. In 2005 Brad set up a donor-designated fund with the Lancaster County Community Foundation. His intention was to have the fund support public libraries in the purchase of technology that would enhance library services countywide. Rutter who is passionate about libraries sees the funding of library services as a way to give back to the community that will benefit readers and library users, “I am proud to have the benefit of ever-changing, improving technology to assist readers of all ages at the libraries.” He foresees technology programs as keeping libraries on the cutting edges as essential community resources. About his generosity to public libraries, he states, “I want to experience the impact of my giving now, while I’m young and while I can see the results.”
About the Library System of Lancaster County
The Library System of Lancaster County is a federated system with 14 member libraries, three branches and a bookmobile, which serves 519,462 residents. Established in April 1987 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization, the Library System provides well-coordinated countywide services and cooperative programs to assist member libraries in meeting the diverse needs of its community residents. The mission of the Library System of Lancaster County is to bring together all 14 member public libraries to plan and create a cost-effective network of technology, facilities and resources to meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of all residents of Lancaster County. The Library System ensures that a network of support services is provided to all public libraries in the county.
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