Posted as a public service by the folks at GadaboutBlogalot

According to Ms. Peggy Martinez, Edgewood Librarian, the library received a donation of books from the Will James Society Book Gifting Program.  The hardcover books, adult and children, are available for checkout to registered borrowers.  Will James was an American cowboy.  When injuries from handling rough horses became too much, he turned to a full-time artist and author.  Altogether, twenty-four of his books were published.  One of the books, “Smoky the Cowhorse”, won the 1927 Newberry Medal.  Below is a write-up from the Society.

“This donation of books to Edgewood Community Library, has been made through the Will James Society Book Gifting Program.  It is the mission of the Will James Society to provide these wholesome books in the western genre that were written and illustrated by Will James to schools and public libraries throughout the United States and Canada.  We have also sent many “soft cover” versions of his books to hospitals and military units in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The Society is able to purchase the books at a generous discount through the Will James Art Company in Billings, Montana.

We welcome donations from individuals to help us purchase more books, and encourage new membership to the Will James Society, whose mission it is to bring these wonderful books to young people and adults alike, for their reading pleasure.  Since we are a non-profit charitable organization, your donations are tax deductible and we will provide you with the acknowledgement of your contribution for tax purposes.  Please visit our web site for more information at www.willjames.org.

For inquiries on how you may have a donation of books provided to a school/or public library of your choice, contact Barbara Warwick, Secretary, Will James Society, 514 W. Laredo Loop, Payson, AZ.  Alternatively, you may make contact by e-mail to bwarwick95842@yahoo.com

Here is a photo showing Ms. Martinez and three young library patrons as they display many of the books: