NEW BERLIN – Facing increased expenditures while trying to make ends meet is a daunting task for nonprofits, and public libraries are no exception.

Darlene LaBrie, Director of the New Berlin Public Library often finds herself getting crafty to stay in the black.

“We don't have the resources or a lager budget to pull from to keep us going like other larger libraries in the area,” said LaBrie. “So we use our wit and are very resourceful in terms of finding ways to raise funds.”

Recently, LaBrie sent out over 100 canvas letters to novelists and writers across the gamut, seeking donations to auction off as a way to generate some much needed income for the library.

“We really weren't sure what the response would be like,” said LaBrie, “but we were met with an unexpected return from several of the artists.”

The plan was simple. LaBrie wrote a series of popular writers and simply asked if they would each donate one autographed book each. The library will put the books up for bid and will sell them – five at a time – to the highest bidder every two weeks.