The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Fred J. Taylor Library began the library book exchange Oct. 2, 2006. The book exchange provides the campus community with up to 200 books for leisure reading, which do not require a UAM identification card. 

   Paula Reaves, special collections and circulation assistant, said the response to the program had been good.  

   “We do notice people using it, and we get positive e-mails thanking us for it,” Reaves said. “It will continue until there is no longer any interest in it. In my mind, it will be a permanent fixture.”

   The collection consists of fiction, nonfiction, romances, a large collection of Harlequin romance novels and several Danielle Steel books. The entire collection consists of donated books including some hardback books.  

   Special Collections and Reference Librarian Mary Heady said staff and faculty members donate and borrow books from the collection. Heady commented on students' use of the program as well. 

   “It’s a good opportunity for students to enjoy leisure reading materials,” Heady said. 

   Since the program does not require a student ID, students can use the book exchange in between semesters. Robert Knott, a sophomore from Pine Bluff, said he would use the exchange now that he knew about it. 

   “It is a good program, but I wish it was advertised more,” Knott said. “Now that I know about the program, I will encourage other students to take advantage of the book exchange program.”

   Some of the books currently in the program are: 

James Patterson.................... “Violets are Blue”
Michael Connelly.................. “Chasing the Dime”
Stuart Woods....................... “Iron Orchid”
Patricia Lewin ...................... “Out of Reach”
John Feinstein ...................... “The Punch”
Danielle Steel........................ “Message from ‘Nam,” “Miracle,” “The Kiss,” “Impossible” 

   For more information on the book exchange program, review “Taylor Library Introduces the Book Exchange” or call 460-1080.

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