The United Fund of Butler County helps bring the wonderful world of reading to the county's children.

The Greenville-Butler County Public Library is one of 33 agencies served by the charitable organization.

&#8220The United Fund has allowed us to really build a wonderful collection of children's books here at the library. We used their funding to get additional books for the Accelerated Reading Program, which is in place in all the schools in the county,” Burke McFerrin, head librarian, said.

United Fund monies are also used to match federal grant dollars, she said.

&#8220We spend one local dollar for every three to four federal dollars received, which is quite a deal. It really allows us to stretch the funds we have.”

Freeing up budget monies with the help of the United Fund has allowed the city-county library to bring special programs to the area, such as a recent visit from the McWane Science Center in Birmingham.

&#8220It's wonderful to be able to bring great programs to our city some children wouldn't otherwise be able to experience,” McFerrin said.

The library is a place &#8220for everyone in the county, and everyone seems to use it.”

&#8220The idea behind the United Fund is local people helping local people, and that's exactly what you do when you give to the Fund – you give back to the community. Our board really believes in, and is very supportive of, the United Fund,” McFerrin said.

So far, the 2005-2006 United Fund of Butler County campaign has raised over $10,000, with a goal of $55,000. Drive chairman Susan Murphy urges county businesses, professional offices and organizations to fill out those pledge cards.

&#8220The money stays here. It doesn't go to pay anyone's administrative costs. It's all volunteer and locally based,” Murphy said.

Some of the other agencies supported by United Fund of Butler County include Joseph Ministries, Underprivileged Children's Fund, the Butler Activity Center and Youth Activities of McKenzie and Georgiana.

To learn more about the United Fund of Butler County's fundraising campaign, contact Susan Murphy at 383-3865.