The Grand Island Public Library is sponsoring a book fair May 1 in conjunction with Go Big Give, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – This year, 167 organizations in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Howard counties are participating in Go Big Give on May 1.
Many of the organizations are sponsoring special events in conjunction with Go Big Give.
The Grand Island Public Library was hosting a book fair May 1 in conjunction with Go Big Give.
The Book Fair was running until 4 p.m. May 1. More books than normal were set out near the entrance to the library.
The Grand Island Public Library Foundation had a challenge grant for $5,000 from Cass Grange, sister of the late Jack Grange.
Grand Island Public Library Foundation Executive Director Leigh Lillibridge said May 1 that the library had raised $10,000 to meet the challenge grant.
Lillibridge said that the Grange family was involved with the library. Cass Grange’s parents, Dr. Bill and Mary Grange, did literacy tutoring at the library. Their children spent a lot of time at the library.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Jack Grange’s death. He died at age 21 from cancer. At the time, he was a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lillibridge said.
She said that in 2021, Cass Grange did a challenge grant for Go Big Give in memory of her parents. In November 2024, Cass Grange contacted Lillibridge.
“We visited about it had been 50 years since Jack had passed away,” Lillibridge said. “She wanted to do something special for the library.”
Lillibridge said that Cass Grange is really interested in the programs that the library offers.
This is the 12th annual Go Big Give.
Last year, $1,517,000 was raised. The website for Go Big Give is gobiggive.org.
Money raised is for organizations in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties.
Donors are highly encouraged to give online to the event. Cash donations are accepted and require completion of a donation sheet. Donations must be submitted at the Heartland United Way office, 1441 N. Webb Road, prior to 8 p.m. May 1.
Anyone with questions about Go Big Give may contact the Heartland United Way office at 382-2675 or the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation office at 381-7767.
Go Big Give, (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
