Not surprisingly, the Friends of the Alpena County Library are big on books. That’s why Monday found many of the members doing what they always do at Christmas time – tying ribbons on an estimated 600 new books for children served by the Salvation Army.

The annual effort, known as Blizzard of Books, helps ensure that parents struggling to make ends meet during the holidays will have an opportunity to give their children some new books.

The books are supplied by the Friends group with support from the community and then given away during the Salvation Army’s traditional Christmas distribution to local families on Dec. 20. At the distribution, parents are able to pick out two new books for each of their children.

“We really think it’s important for children to be reading and to have books,” said Friends member Bonnie Altman. “We have found that parents want their children to be reading and they want to get quality books.”

Judith Case is among those who made it a point Monday to volunteer at the ribbon tying event held at the library.

“Reading is so important,” she said. “Reading is such a special thing for kids, and every kid needs a book.”

For new Friends member Michelle Greko, this was her first year to participate in the Blizzard of Books campaign, but she was glad to do so. As a retired fifth grade teacher, she believes strongly in the importance of books for children.

“I love books. Kids love books,” she said. “Who doesn’t love a new book?”

Monday’s preparation for the Salvation Army distribution first involved sorting the books by age category. Altman said a group of retired teachers, including Greko, were asked to help with the sorting since they have a better understanding of what books are appropriate for which age. A second round of volunteers then came to do the ribbon tying honors.

Books factored into the recent annual Friends Christmas party, held jointly with the library’s board of directors and staff. Party participants each came with a book donation for the Blizzard of Books.

In addition to what the Friends provided, Altman said local residents helped a great deal by also donating books.

Altman also said many volunteers make the annual effort go smoothly.

“We’ve got it down to a science,” she said. “People are always willing to volunteer. For everbody here reading is every dear to their hearts.”