Carson to Hometown Library: Heeere's Money!

Staff -- Library Journal, 2/19/2001

Sometimes it pays to ask. That was the philosophy of Norfolk Library, NB, board member Sallie Rice, who, after embarking on a fundraising campaign to generate $200,000 for a new library, decided to drop a letter to the town's most famous son: legendary Tonight Show host Johnny Carson asking if he'd care to make a donation. His answer was a note reading: "I can think of few projects more important to the community than having a first-class library -- especially if it encourages young people to read," which was accompanied by a check for $500,000. The funds will be left in an account untouched while the interest is applied toward enhancing the collection and services. After word of his generosity went public, Carson answered press queries saying simply, "I went there as a kid. I just wanted to help."