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Ways to Keep Your Amazon Purchases Supporting Crestline Library
Many shoppers remember AmazonSmile as an easy way to support a favorite nonprofit. By selecting an organization, customers could have a small portion of eligible purchases directed to charitable work at no extra cost. For library supporters, it was a convenient way to connect everyday shopping with local services.
AmazonSmile was discontinued on February 20, 2023, so purchases made through Amazon can no longer generate donations for Crestline Friends of the Library through that program. The good news is that families, readers, and neighbors still have practical ways to strengthen the Crestline Library and its programs.
Understanding What AmazonSmile Provided
AmazonSmile operated much like the regular Amazon shopping experience. Customers chose a charitable organization, then eligible purchases contributed a small percentage to that nonprofit. The amount from an individual order was modest, but participation across a community could help fund books, youth activities, materials, and other library needs.
Because the program has ended, shoppers should be cautious about old instructions that recommend activating AmazonSmile or selecting Crestline Friends of the Library within Amazon settings. Those steps no longer create charitable proceeds. Instead, supporters can redirect the same goodwill toward active giving channels maintained by the organization.
Why Local Library Giving Still Matters
A community library is more than a place to borrow books. It provides children and teens with access to reading material, educational resources, technology, and welcoming programs. Donations and memberships give the Crestline Library greater flexibility when public funding does not cover every need.
The library’s cultural value can also be seen in its distinctive spaces and history. Learn more through the library mural story, which illustrates how local creativity and community participation help shape the library experience.
Current Ways to Direct Your Support
Since AmazonSmile is no longer available, a direct contribution is the clearest replacement for the discontinued shopping donation model. A one-time gift can help with immediate priorities, while recurring donations provide dependable support throughout the year. Membership is another meaningful option for people who want an ongoing connection with Crestline Friends of the Library.
Community fundraising events also turn small acts of participation into shared results. The annual Memorial Day Book Sale, for example, brings readers together while raising money for library services. Donating gently used books, volunteering, or attending the sale can be as valuable as making an online contribution.
| Support method | How it helps | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct donation | Provides flexible funds for current priorities | Supporters who want immediate impact |
| Membership | Builds steady, continuing nonprofit support | Local residents and regular library users |
| Book Sale participation | Raises funds through donated books and community activity | Readers, volunteers, and bargain hunters |
| Book or material donation | Adds useful resources when needs are identified | People with quality items to share |
| Fundraising event | Combines outreach, giving, and local involvement | Families, groups, and community partners |
Give Young Readers More Choices
Children and teens benefit when library shelves reflect varied interests, reading levels, and current subjects. New titles can encourage reluctant readers, support school assignments, and give young people a safe way to explore stories and ideas. Donations aimed at youth collections can therefore have a lasting effect beyond a single checkout.
The need for an updated teen collection is explained in the teen section update. Sharing information about collection needs with friends, relatives, and local organizations can help turn individual concern into broader support for young readers.
Make Giving Part Of Your Routine
Replacing a discontinued shopping feature works best when support becomes a regular habit rather than an occasional thought. Add Crestline Friends of the Library to your annual charitable giving, attend a membership meeting, or set aside books for the next community sale. If you shop online frequently, consider transferring the small amount you might once have associated with AmazonSmile into a monthly library gift.
Groups can also organize their own efforts. A neighborhood association, classroom, workplace, or book club might host a used-book drive, sponsor a youth reading activity, or arrange a benefit event. These ideas are outlined in fundraiser planning tips.
Simple Ways To Stay Involved
- Become a member of Crestline Friends of the Library.
- Make a one-time or recurring donation.
- Attend the Memorial Day Book Sale and share its details.
- Volunteer at fundraising events or contribute gently used books.
- Tell local families about library programs and collection needs.
Keep Crestline Reading
AmazonSmile may have ended, but the goal behind it remains important: making support easy, consistent, and connected to everyday community life. Direct donations, memberships, event participation, and volunteer time can help provide books, materials, and programs for Crestline children, teens, and adults.
Visit Crestline Friends of the Library to learn about current giving opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to participate. Choose one action today—join, donate, volunteer, or share the organization’s work—and help keep the Crestline Library a strong resource for the community.